Fried Peppers And Olives Food

FRIED PEPPERS AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Heat 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 sage sprigs, the zest of 1 lemon (in strips) and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a skillet over medium-high heat, 1 minute. Add 6 to 8 baby bell peppers; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add 8 smashed garlic cloves and cook 3 more minutes. Add 1 cup mixed olives and cook 2 more minutes. Transfer to a dish and serve with crusty bread.

DEEP FRIED STUFFED OLIVES

Steps:

• For the olives:.
• Place the olives in a bowl and cover over with water. While preparing the stuffings, let them soak about 30 minutes to remove the excess salt. Drain the water, rinse the olives and dry completely with a paper towel.
• For the stuffings:.
• In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the shallots. Add the ground veal, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook about 5 minutes. Add the veal stock and continue to cook over medium heat until the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Transfer the veal mixture to a bowl. Add the Parmesan, parsley, breadcrumbs and egg. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix together and set aside.
• To assemble:.
• Starting from the end (opposite the hole on top), cut the olive away from the pit in a spiral, as if you're peeling an apple. The olive will coil. Place the olive meat in a bowl.
• Pinch a bit of the veal mixture between your thumb and forefinger and roll into a small ball. Shape the olive meat from half the olives around the filling, so the olive regains its original shape. Place on a baking tray, cover with plastic wrap and set aside. Proceed the same way for remaining olives and the gorgonzola cheese.
• Coat the olives lightly in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs. To avoid the stuffing from seeping out, repeat the process twice to get a thick breading. Set aside.
• Pour the olive oil into a medium frying pan and heat until the oil bubbles. Fry the olives until the breading is golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Serve the olives while warm.
• Cook's Notes:.
• You can try other fillings like feta or smooth goat cheese mixed with lemon zest, garlic and basil. You can also add crushed pine nuts to the cheese or meat mixture.
• For a vegetarian version, try chickpea in puree, basil, olive oil and lemon or orange zests.

PAN-FRIED OLIVES AND CHILES STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix together goat cheese and cilantro; chill. Drain chiles and Peppadews. Split chiles lengthwise and stuff with 1 tablespoon cheese mixture. Press to close. Stuff Peppadews with 1/2 teaspoon cheese mixture.
• Combine flour, cornmeal, and salt on a large plate. Dredge chiles and Peppadews, turning to coat all sides. Dredge olives similarly. If coating isn't sticking, dip peppers and olives in chile brine before dredging.
• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the olives and chiles in 2 batches, turning with a spatula as they become golden brown, adding more oil, if needed, 8 to 12 minutes. Serve hot.

RED PEPPERS AND ONIONS SAUTEED IN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• In a large frying pan, gently heat the olive oil and garlic for about 60 seconds on a low flame.
• Add the peppers and onions, basil, pepper, oregano, and pepper flakes.
• Sautee until the the onions are soft and transparent, the peppers and basil"wilt", and the garlic is lightly golden, 10-15 minutes.
• Serve hot.