The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Kalamata Olives

Kalamata olives are a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and are often used in dishes such as hummus, tapenade, and salads. They are known for their distinct purple colour and briny flavour. When it comes to cheese, Kalamata olives are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of options. A popular choice is feta cheese, as the brininess of the olives complements the tanginess of feta. Other suitable options include cream cheese, which can be blended with Kalamata olives to make a dip, and blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Danish blue.

Kalamata olives and feta cheese are a classic Greek pairing

Feta cheese, a Greek staple, is a tangy and salty sheep's milk cheese. Its crumbly texture and sharp flavour profile make it a perfect match for the robust and fruity kalamata olives. The saltiness of feta accentuates the fruity flavours of the olives, creating a delightful contrast. This pairing is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, making it a popular choice for cheese and olive enthusiasts alike.

Kalamata olives, native to Greece, are known for their dark purple or maroon colour and meaty texture. They are often pitted and packed in brine, which enhances their flavour and extends their shelf life. These olives have a unique fruity taste with subtle buttery notes, making them an excellent companion to the sharpness of feta cheese. Together, they create a well-rounded and satisfying flavour profile.

The versatility of this pairing is another reason for its popularity. Kalamata olives and feta cheese can be enjoyed as part of a mezze board or antipasti platter, accompanied by cured meats, fresh vegetables, and crusty bread. They also work well in various dishes, such as salads, pasta, or as a topping for pizzas. The combination of kalamata olives and feta cheese adds a touch of Greek flavour to any meal.

In addition to their culinary uses, kalamata olives and feta cheese offer nutritional benefits as well. Olives are a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, while feta cheese provides protein and calcium. When combined, they create a nutritious and flavourful duo that can be enjoyed as a snack or a part of a larger meal.

Blue cheeses like gorgonzola and Danish blue complement kalamata olives

Gorgonzola, a mild, sweet, and tangy blue cheese, is a great choice to pair with kalamata olives. Its creamy texture and unique flavour profile make it a perfect match for the salty, fruity notes of the olives. Danish blue cheese, another popular variety, offers a similar flavour profile to gorgonzola, with a rich, creamy texture and a strong, tangy taste. These characteristics make it another excellent pairing option for kalamata olives.

When creating a cheese platter or antipasti board featuring kalamata olives and blue cheese, consider adding some crackers, bread, or fresh fruit to round out the flavours and provide a palate cleanser between bites. Dried fruits and nuts can also add interesting textures and flavours to the mix. For a drink pairing, a crisp, chilled white wine such as Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) or a smooth red wine like Pinot Noir will complement the strong flavours of the blue cheese and kalamata olives without being overwhelming.

For those who enjoy a more mild flavour profile, a fresh, unripened cheese like ricotta or chèvre can also be a good pairing with kalamata olives, especially if the olives are marinated in citrus or herbs. The soft texture and mild taste of these cheeses provide a nice contrast to the saltiness and fruitiness of the olives.

Cream cheese and kalamata olives make a tasty dip

The dip is simple to make, requiring only a food processor and a few additional ingredients. These include olive brine, dried onion, garlic powder, and, of course, pitted kalamata olives and cream cheese. The olives and additional ingredients are blitzed together in the food processor, and the resulting dip can be served with homemade pita chips, crostini, or tortilla chips.

The cream cheese and kalamata olive dip is best served cold or at room temperature, although it can be served with warm pita chips. It can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a convenient option for entertaining.

Kalamata olives are a type of purple or maroon-coloured olive that is commonly used in Greek cuisine. They have a smooth, meaty texture and a fruity, tangy flavour that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Cream cheese is an excellent choice for a dip as it has a sweet taste and a robust texture, creating a well-balanced combination with the kalamata olives.

In addition to cream cheese, other cheeses that pair well with kalamata olives include blue cheeses such as gorgonzola and Danish blue, as well as brie or camembert. These cheeses could be included on a cheese board or platter alongside kalamata olives, creating a delicious and visually appealing spread for guests to enjoy.

Kalamata olives and brie are a good combination for a cheese board

Kalamata olives are a good pairing for brie because they are briny and fruity, and they have a complex flavour profile. The longer an olive cures, the more complex its flavour will be, and Kalamata olives are often cured for up to six months. Kalamata olives are also a good choice because they are Greek, and Greek foods like feta and olives are a natural pairing for a Mediterranean mezze board.

In addition to Kalamata olives and brie, you could include some cured meats, crackers, and fresh fruit on your cheese board. Cured meats like salami or kabana would be a good choice, as would crackers or crispy toasts to use as a vehicle for the cheese and olives. Fresh sliced apples or pears, or a medley of berries, would add a fresh dimension to your cheese board.

Kalamata olives and ricotta are both mild and fresh

Kalamata olives are a popular variety of olive, often used in Greek cuisine. They are known for their deep purple colour and fruity, tangy flavour. Kalamata olives are often used in mezze boards, paired with other Greek foods such as feta cheese. They are also commonly used in dips and spreads, where they are blended with other ingredients to create a full-flavoured, dippable treat.

Ricotta is a young, fresh cheese with a mild flavour and soft, creamy texture. It is made from the whey left over from other cheesemaking processes and is typically white in colour. Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, from lasagne to cheesecake. It is also commonly paired with fruits and crackers on a cheese board.

When creating a cheese board, it is important to consider the different flavours and textures of the cheeses and accompaniments. Kalamata olives and ricotta could be served together as part of a mezze board or antipasti platter, perhaps with some pita chips or crackers. The addition of sliced apples or pears, berries, and crisp vegetables can also add a fresh dimension to the dish.

For those who enjoy a stronger flavour, a blue cheese such as Gorgonzola or Danish blue could be added to the platter. These cheeses have a pungent flavour that can stand up to the saltiness of the olives, while the ricotta provides a mild contrast. A full-bodied wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, would also complement this flavour profile well.

Frequently asked questions