Olivata Croutons

 Cold Soup Recipes

Yield:
8
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Ingredients

  • Olive oil cooking spray

  • Eight 1/4-inch-thick baguette slices

  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)

  • Boiling water

  • 1/2 cup pitted Calamata olives (about 5 ounces)

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil spray. Arrange the baguette slices on the baking sheet, lightly coat with olive oil spray and bake for about 7 minutes, or until the toasts are golden and crisp. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.

  2. In a small bowl, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in the boiling water until plump, about 10 minutes; drain well. In a mini-processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes with the olives, basil, olive oil and garlic and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spread each crouton with 1 tablespoon of the olivata mixture and serve.

Make Ahead

The olivata can be refrigerated for 3 days. The croutons can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature, also for 3 days.

Originally appeared: August 1997

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