Fried Olives

A great meze to have on hand to nibble at while sipping ouzo or wine.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb  green pitted  olives or 1⁄2 lb green olives, with pits
• 1  red onion, peeled and minced
• 1  clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 2  slices  good-quality ham, minced (optional)
• 4  tablespoons  finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1  pinch cayenne
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• For the coating

• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1  large egg, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 cup  finely ground  breadcrumbs
•  olive oil (for frying)

Directions

1. If using unpitted olives, pit them with an olive pitter (or cherry pitter) to keep them intact.
2. Place the onion, garlic, ham, parsley, olive oil and cayenne in a food processor and pulse on and off until everything is pureed and very creamy and smooth.
3. Remove to a bowl.
4. Using a pastry bag outfitted with a nozzle small enough to fit into the cavity opening of the olive, stuff each olive with the filling.
5. Spread the flour onto one plate and the breadcrumbs onto another.
6. Heat about half an inch of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
7. Roll the olives in the flour, then in the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs.
8. Fry until the breadcrumbs have turned golden.
9. Remove, place on paper towels to drain momentarily and serve.