Kalamata Olives

[Constance]

I bought a jar, and we tried them on a salad the other night. We found them way too strong and salty for our taste, but I thought they might be good in some kind of a sauce or dish. Any ideas?

 

[Scotch]

I love Kalamata olives, either by themselves or in savory dishes. Much more flavor than the bland black olives I grew up with.

This is a good use for them. I've made this recipe a couple of times and everyone has loved it.

Chicken & Orzo with Lemon & Olives

8 chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
Salt, pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ cups orzo
3 cups chicken broth
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1 small lemon, cut into 8 wedges
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ cup pitted Kalamata olives
1 large bay leaf
3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, divided

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Season the chicken legs well on all sides with salt and pepper.

3. In a Dutch oven or large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high
heat. Working in batches, brown the chicken well on all sides, about 5
minutes. Remove from the pan.

4. Add the orzo, chicken stock, garlic, lemon wedges and juice, olives,
bay leaf and 1 tablespoon of the oregano. Stir to combine all the
ingredients, bring to boil, return the chicken to the pan, bring to boil
again.

5. Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the
chicken is done (the meat will be firm and its juices will run clear).
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary

6. Sprinkle with the remaining oregano and serve.

 

[Andy M.]

I use them in a puttanesca sauce for pasta.

 

[msmofet]

Olive Salad

 

[justplainbill]

Great in putanesca or on pizza

 

[merstar]

They're great in raw tomato sauce for pasta. Add fresh garlic to food processor, and chop finely. Then add fresh tomatoes, pitted black olives, fresh basil, salt and pepper, and extra virgin olive oil, and process until desired consistency.

 

[Constance]

That's what I'm talking about, friends...all of those sound good!