Olive Leaf Infused Pasta

Using olive leaves in recipes is not a common practice, as they tend to be bitter and tough. However, olive leaf extract or olive leaf tea can be used to infuse dishes with a subtle olive flavor and potential health benefits. Here’s a simple recipe for Olive Leaf Infused Pasta:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive leaf extract or a few olive leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Olive Leaf Infusion: If you’re using olive leaves, crush them gently with a mortar and pestle to release their flavors. If you have olive leaf extract, you can skip this step.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Infuse with Olive Leaves: Add the crushed olive leaves or olive leaf extract to the skillet. Stir and let them infuse for a couple of minutes to release their flavor. If using fresh leaves, remove them from the skillet after a few minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the infused olive oil and tomatoes. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your Olive Leaf Infused Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired) and fresh basil leaves.

This dish offers a subtle olive flavor and a hint of bitterness from the olive leaves or extract, along with the warmth of garlic and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes. It’s a unique way to incorporate the potential health benefits of olive leaves into your meal while enjoying a delicious pasta dish.