Description
Classic Sicilian olive ascolane tempt appetites with briny, crispy perfection. Green olives stuffed with savory meat create a delightful Mediterranean appetizer craved by those who love authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 4–6 ounces (113–170 grams) mild Italian sausage
- 4–6 ounces (113–170 grams) ground beef
- 4–6 ounces (113–170 grams) ground chicken
Vegetable and Dairy Ingredients:
- 60 large Castelvetrano green olives
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery and leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup butter
Liquid, Seasoning, and Coating Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 2–3 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Carefully remove pits from olives using a spiral cutting technique, then immerse in salted water to enhance flavor and prevent browning.
- Sauté selected vegetables with ground meats, incorporating aromatic herbs and spices. Transform the mixture into a smooth, cohesive paste by blending thoroughly. Incorporate rich egg yolk and grated aged cheese to create a robust filling.
- Meticulously shape the prepared filling, delicately wrapping each olive entirely. Apply gentle pressure to ensure complete sealing, preventing any filling from escaping during cooking.
- Create a precise coating sequence: first dust olives with fine flour, then dip in whisked eggs, and finally roll in crisp breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra-crunchy exterior.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Fry stuffed olives in small batches, rotating occasionally, until they achieve a uniform golden-brown color, approximately 60-90 seconds. Transfer to absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
- Carefully remove olive pits using a spiral cut to maintain olive shape and prevent tearing during stuffing process.
- Soak olives in salted water to reduce saltiness and enhance overall flavor absorption.
- Ensure filling is smooth and well-blended for consistent texture and easier stuffing.
- Double-coat breading creates extra crispy exterior, providing satisfying crunch when biting into olive.
- Use high-quality olive oil for frying to enhance authentic Italian flavor profile.
- Perfect for gluten-free diets by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.
- Vegetarian option possible by replacing meat with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg