Kalamata olives are one of the most popular forms of olives available. They are lovely and versatile, and they go well with different types of foods. Also, Kalamata olives are delicious!
So, are there any substitutes for kalamata olives? Yes, there are. The top substitute for these olives would be black olives. Generally, kalamata olives are a variant of black olives. So, if you find any other variant, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be able to use it as a substitute for kalamata olives.
An Overview of Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are just one of the many variants of olives available. Named after the city of Kalamata, Greece, these olives have a rich content of antioxidants and healthy fats. They also have a wide array of health benefits, including and especially their ability to strengthen your heart.
Kalamata olives have a dark-purple look and an oval shape. Their fleshy pulp provides a meaty texture, although they seem to have a naturally bitter taste. This is why most people process or cure them before consumption.
You can use kalamata olives for various purposes. They taste delicious with salads, are a great addition to pasta sauce, and can help to make your dips even better. Kalamata olives are also fantastic additions to wine platters and can spruce up things like pizza and pasta.
Why Replace Kalamata Olives?
- Non-availability: You might not have any kalamata olives around you. Even without the, the food must go on. So, feel free to get a substitute.
- Looking to experiment: If you’re the type to experiment with food and try different dishes, you could want to do the same with the kalamata olives. Since there are several substitutes, this should be fun!
Options for Kalamata Olives’ Substitutes
Top Recommended Substitute for Kalamata Olives: Black Olives
So, as explained earlier, Kalamata olives are a variety of black olives. However, black olives themselves vary from Kalamata olives as well. While Kalamata olives have a distinct name and flavor, there are different types of black olives.
Also known as ripe olives, black olives are one of the few olive varieties that can be harvested when fully grown. You can even find artificially-ripened ones as well.
Black olives have a milder flavor than Kalamata olives. They have very soft tastes, and they generally work well with other ingredients in meals. Note that you can easily alter the taste of black olives by using different types of herbs while brining them.
Like Kalamata olives, you can use black olives in a wide array of functions. These include salads, toppings (for pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and more), pasta sauce, and tapenade. The fact that the two can easily stand in for each other is one of the primary reasons why black olives are an excellent substitute for Kalamata olives.
The similarities between black olives and Kalamata olives also extend to their storage type. If you have an unopened jar of black olives, keep it at room temperature – preferably, in a dry, dark place. It will be able to keep for over a year this way. Once you open the jar, the fridge is the best place for storage. Make sure to keep the olives in the liquid that they came in, and you can also transfer the olives into an airtight container or a glass jar. While in the fridge, olives should be able to keep for about four to eight days.
Best Substitute for Kalamata Olives in Pasta: Niçoise Olives
Niçoise olives are a variety of olives that originate from France. They are produced around the French Riviera, and they are incredibly popular. Most of them come packaged with herbs, and they are especially famous because of their incredibly savory flavor.
You’ll especially love Niçoise olives because they work for pretty much anything as well. They are an ideal seasoning ingredient for pasta, green beans, salads, potatoes, tomatoes, and even soup. As expected, the preferred recipe for making will depend on what you’re using the olives with.
Note, however, that there are some rules of thumb when it comes to prepping these olives. For one, you want to ensure that the olives are cool to room temperature before you serve them. Drain the packages before serving them for the best flavor.
To select the right Niçoise olives, watch out for clean, unbruised, and firm ones. For brine-cured olives, make sure they’re plump with smooth and shiny skins.
When cooking with Niçoise olives, you want to be careful with salt. The olives have their natural salty flavor, and you don’t want to overdo things. When you’re done with cooking, ensure to keep the olives moist. You can also sprinkle them with some olive oil and keep them in your fridge.
Best Substitutes for Kalamata Olives in Salads: Gaeta Olives
Gaeta olives are another impressive substitute for the kalamata olive. These olives are tiny, and they originate primarily from Italy. The olives have wrinkled black ski, – especially when they are salt-cured.
One of the best things about Gaeta olives is that you can use some seasoning to manipulate their flavor. For instance, they generally have a meaty texture with a slightly salty or tart flavor. However, you can use brine or salt curing and mix the olives with some olive oil and get a mild taste.
Gaeta olives can be used as appetizers or as ingredients in salads. You can also add them to pasta, cooked fish, and a puree. If you would like to add them to salads, it is recommended that you get the black Gaeta olives.