Fried olives are a nutritious starter that you should not forget to try in a Cretan summer. Fried tomatoes with rosemary and olives are really tasty and colorful. The dish fits perfectly with Ouzo in the shade. Or take it with Raki, the Cretan national drink.
The ingredients for fried olives are simple:
• 2 tbsp olives with pits
• 1 tsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp rosemary and some freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup of olive oil
How it is done:
Soak the olives in plenty of cold water for at least 12 hours. Then rinse and drain on a kitchen towel. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and fry the olives with high heat for 4-5 minutes. Dissolve the tomato paste in half a cup of warm water, add to the dish and stir well. Add rosemary, pepper and simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
Serve the olives hot, lukewarm or cold. It is just a matter of taste.
A small tip at the end: The olives goes well with homemade bread and a glass of Raki.