Mediterranean Olive Melt

Portions:4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives or substitute with regular green olives
  • 1 cup pitted black olives
  • 1 tablespoon roasted garlic
  • 2 fresh basil leaves or ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon capers
  • 1 pinch fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon roasted red bell pepper
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • ¼ lb. mozzarella cheese sliced
  • Butter or butter spread

Instructions

  • Rinse the olives and pit them using a good olive pitter or a paring knife.
  • In a food processor, combine the pitted olives, roasted garlic, basil leaves, capers, black pepper, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and roasted red bell pepper.
  • Pulse several times for a few seconds each time until evenly chopped.
  • Scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure everything is chopped evenly.
  • The consistency should be a chunky tapenade, not a puree.
  • Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
  • Place slices of mozzarella cheese on the opposite side of each slice.
  • Spread a generous amount of the olive tapenade onto every other slice of bread.
  • Pair a slice with tapenade with a slice without, creating sandwiches.
  • Cook the sandwiches for 4 minutes on each side at 325°F until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
  • Once cooked, slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve hot.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice:
Pair this flavorful Mediterranean olive melt with a glass of crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The bright acidity of the wine will complement the briny flavors of the olives and capers, creating a refreshing combination. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 400 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 20 g | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 2 g
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Course Cheese / Lunch / Snacks