Marinated Feta Stuffed Olives, Olive & Pesto Sourdough Focaccia, and Whipped Ricotta with Caramelized Almonds & Olives: A Mediterranean Feast
When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, the combination of bold flavors, vibrant herbs, and rich textures creates a truly unforgettable experience. Imagine enjoying marinated feta-stuffed olives, fluffy olive and pesto sourdough focaccia, and a rich whipped ricotta topped with caramelized almonds and olives—all in one sitting. This Mediterranean-inspired trio of dishes offers the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors. Whether you're planning a dinner party, a family meal, or a special appetizer spread, this collection of recipes will take your taste buds on a journey of delicious discovery.
In this post, we'll walk you through how to prepare each of these dishes with ease, and we'll explain how each recipe complements the other to create an extraordinary Mediterranean feast. From marinated olives to soft, fluffy focaccia bread and whipped ricotta topped with caramelized almonds and olives, you're in for a treat.
Why You’ll Love These Mediterranean Dishes
These three dishes are a celebration of Mediterranean ingredients and flavors. Here’s why you’ll love them:
Marinated Feta Stuffed Olives: This appetizer combines the briny, buttery flavor of Castelvetrano olives with the rich creaminess of feta cheese, all marinated in a sweet, zesty olive oil mixture. The result is a bite-sized treat packed with flavor.
Olive & Pesto Sourdough Focaccia: The aromatic, earthy taste of sourdough focaccia pairs perfectly with the savory brininess of Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives and the bright, fresh basil pesto. It’s a hearty, flavorful bread that’s perfect as an accompaniment to any Mediterranean meal.
Whipped Ricotta with Caramelized Almonds & Olives: Creamy, whipped ricotta topped with sweet, sticky caramelized almonds and olives creates a rich and indulgent spread. The contrast between the soft ricotta and the crunchy almonds, combined with the bold flavor of olives, is simply irresistible.
Each of these dishes can be served individually or as part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired feast. But together, they form the perfect trio that will impress your guests or elevate your everyday meals.
Ingredients for the Mediterranean Feast
For the Marinated Feta Stuffed Olives:
- 1 jar Mezzetta Pitted Castelvetrano Olives: Castelvetrano olives are famous for their bright green color, buttery texture, and mild, slightly sweet flavor. They’re the perfect olive to pair with feta cheese.
- 3 oz. Feta Cheese: Choose a high-quality feta that’s crumbly yet creamy, as it will be stuffed into the olives, adding richness and tang.
- ½ cup Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to bring richness and enhance the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that balances the briny olives and tangy feta, creating a wonderful contrast of flavors.
- Zest & Juice of 1 Lemon: The zest adds a fragrant citrus note, while the juice brightens up the marinade.
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Mint (chopped): Fresh mint brings a cool, refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the feta and the tangy olives.
- 1 tbsp. Chopped Calabrian or Calabrese Peppers: These spicy, tangy peppers bring a bit of heat and a distinctive kick to the olives.
For the Olive & Pesto Sourdough Focaccia:
- 1/3 cup Mezzetta Sliced Castelvetrano Olives: These olives add a sweet and savory element to the focaccia dough.
- 1/3 cup Mezzetta Pitted Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives contribute a deeper, more intense flavor and a beautiful purple color.
- 1/3 cup Basil Pesto: The fresh, herbal flavor of pesto with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan adds a wonderful richness to the focaccia.
- 75-100 grams Active Sourdough Starter: The sourdough starter is essential for creating the airy texture and unique tangy flavor of the focaccia.
- 10 grams Salt: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the olive oil and pesto.
- 430 grams Warm Water: The warm water helps activate the sourdough starter and helps the dough rise.
- 520 grams All Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for the focaccia dough, providing the right structure and texture.
- 4-6 tbsp. Olive Oil: Olive oil is used in the dough to add richness and also brushed on top of the focaccia before baking.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the focaccia gives it a burst of flavor and a nice crunch.
For the Whipped Ricotta with Caramelized Almonds & Olives:
- 8 oz. Whole Milk Ricotta or Farmers Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamy, smooth texture. Farmers cheese can be used as an alternative for a slightly firmer texture.
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream: Heavy cream helps to lighten and fluff the ricotta, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Lemon zest brightens the ricotta and adds a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season the ricotta with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- ½ cup Sliced Almonds: Almonds add a nice crunch and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor when caramelized.
- 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled and sliced): Garlic is sautéed in olive oil to bring out its sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ½ jar Mezzetta Sliced Castelvetrano Olives: The olives contribute a briny, savory contrast to the sweetness of the caramelized almonds.
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup: Maple syrup gives the almonds and olives a rich, sweet glaze, making them sticky and caramelized.
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and almonds, adding richness and flavor.
- Crostini for Serving: Crostini serves as the perfect vehicle to scoop up the whipped ricotta and its topping of caramelized almonds and olives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Marinated Feta Stuffed Olives:
Stuff the Olives with Feta: Carefully stuff each pitted olive with a small piece of feta cheese. This will create a creamy, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the olives.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, lemon zest and juice, fresh mint, and Calabrian or Calabrese peppers. Stir well to combine.
Marinate the Olives: Place the stuffed olives in a large mason jar or serving dish. Pour the marinade over the olives, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Seal the jar or cover the dish and let the olives marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Serve: If marinating overnight, allow the olives to come to room temperature for 1 hour before serving. These marinated feta-stuffed olives make a delightful appetizer or snack.
For the Olive & Pesto Sourdough Focaccia:
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, salt, and warm water. Mix well until combined.
Add Flour and Mix: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until all the flour is absorbed. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 30 minutes in a warm environment.
Perform Folds: After resting, perform a series of folds on the dough. Gently scoop the dough from the bottom and fold it towards the center. Rotate the bowl to the next “corner” and repeat. Do this for a total of 10 folds.
Rest the Dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 4-12 hours, until it doubles in volume.
Prepare for Baking: After resting, drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil into a 9x13” baking dish. Optionally, line the dish with parchment paper. Gently transfer the dough into the dish and fold it like an envelope, placing it seam-side down.
Cold Ferment (Optional): For the best results, refrigerate the dough overnight to let it rise slowly. If your kitchen is cool, let the dough sit at room temperature overnight.
Stretch and Bake: On Day 2, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 430°F. Stretch the dough to fit the baking dish, drizzle with the remaining 3 tbsp olive oil, and use your fingers to create dimples in the dough. Sprinkle with the olives, pesto, and flaky sea salt.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden on top. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
For the Whipped Ricotta with Caramelized Almonds & Olives:
Whip the Ricotta: In a food processor, combine the ricotta, heavy cream, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth and light. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving dish.
Caramelize the Almonds and Olives: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil for 1 minute. Add the sliced almonds and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until toasted and golden. Add the sliced olives and maple syrup, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the almonds and olives become caramelized and sticky.
Assemble: Spoon the caramelized almonds and olives on top of the whipped ricotta. Garnish with fresh herbs and flaky sea salt. Serve with crostini for dipping.
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean feast of Marinated Feta Stuffed Olives, Olive & Pesto Sourdough Focaccia, and Whipped Ricotta with Caramelized Almonds & Olives brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in one unforgettable meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a flavorful meal at home, these recipes are sure to impress.
From the creamy, tangy olives to the pillowy focaccia and the decadent whipped ricotta, each dish is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine at its finest. Enjoy every bite, and savor the flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home.
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