Friselle with olive oil

Savoring the Mediterranean Breeze – A Culinary Journey with Friselle and Olive Oil!

Embark on a sensory journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with our delightful Friselle and Olive Oil recipe. This traditional dish is a celebration of simplicity and bold flavors, encapsulating the essence of coastal living. Crispy friselle, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, offers a symphony of textures and tastes that transport you to the rustic charm of seaside dining. Join us in exploring this culinary masterpiece that captures the heart and soul of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

For the Friselle:

• 4 friselle (hard, twice-baked bread rounds)
• Cold water for soaking

For the Olive Oil Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Cherry tomatoes, halved, for topping (optional)
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Rehydrate the Friselle

1. Soak the Friselle:
   • Place the friselle in a large bowl of cold water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
   • Let them soak for about 5 minutes until they absorb enough water to soften.
2. Drain and Squeeze:
   • Gently squeeze out excess water from the friselle.
   • Place them on a clean kitchen towel to absorb any remaining moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Olive Oil Drizzle

3. Infuse the Olive Oil:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low heat.
   • Add the halved garlic cloves and let them infuse the oil with their aroma for 5-7 minutes. Be cautious not to brown the garlic.
4. Discard Garlic:
   • Remove the garlic cloves from the oil and discard them.

Step 3: Assemble and Garnish

5. Drizzle Olive Oil:
   • Generously drizzle the infused olive oil over each softened frisella.
6. Top with Basil and Tomatoes:
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal aroma.
   • Optionally, add halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy and colorful topping.
7. Season to Perfection:
   • Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

8. Serve Immediately:
   • Friselle is best enjoyed immediately after preparation while maintaining their delightful crunch.

Cook Notes:

• Customize the soaking time based on your preference for friselle texture. A shorter soak will result in a crisper bite, while a longer soak will yield a softer texture.
• Experiment with different varieties of extra virgin olive oil to explore varying flavor profiles.

Variations:

Feta and Olive Medley:

• Enhance the dish by topping friselle with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Mediterranean Pesto Twist:

• Create a pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Spread this vibrant pesto on the friselle for a burst of flavor.

Prosciutto and Fig Elegance:

• Layer thin slices of prosciutto and fresh figs on the friselle. Drizzle with honey for a sweet and savory combination.

Keto Versions:

• Replace traditional friselle with almond flour or coconut flour-based keto crackers for a low-carb alternative.
• Use garlic-infused olive oil without the bread to create a keto-friendly dip.

Low Carb Version:

• Opt for low-carb, high-fiber flatbreads or wraps as a substitute for traditional friselle.
• Top with a mixture of diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion for a low-carb, crunchy topping.

In conclusion, Friselle with Olive Oil is a culinary ode to the Mediterranean lifestyle—a harmony of simple ingredients that deliver extraordinary flavors. Whether you indulge in the classic recipe or explore keto and low-carb adaptations, this dish is a tribute to the time-honored tradition of savoring life’s simple pleasures. So, transport yourself to the sun-drenched coastlines, feel the gentle breeze, and relish each bite of this delightful Mediterranean creation