Creative Ways to Use Olive Juice Beyond Dirty Martinis

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When you finish a jar of olives, it can be tempting to discard the leftover brine. However, this mixture of salt, water, and vinegar does not deserve to go to waste. While many people associate olive brine primarily with cocktails like the Dirty Martini, it has a variety of culinary uses that can enhance many dishes.

According to chef Erin Kem, owner of Corridor Indy and Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta in Indianapolis, “Brine is a by-product of pickling and preserving that leaves you with a delicious and useful salty solution. When a dish needs a salty, Mediterranean punch, olive brine is the ticket!”

While Castelvetrano olives produce the most versatile brine due to their milder taste, don’t shy away from experimenting with brine from other olives, such as kalamata, which tends to be saltier. Regardless of the variety, here are several innovative ways to use olive brine more effectively.

Transform it into a marinade

“Integrating olive brine into marinades is one of my favorite uses of leftover brine,” says Kem. “Just as brining poultry yields a juicy result, why not infuse your dishes with that olive flavor?” Consider trying an Olive Brine-Marinated Pork Roast with Roasted Olives and Beans, or simply add a splash to your chicken marinade. Adjust your recipe’s salt according to the brine’s saltiness, which can vary widely between brands.

Incorporate it into vinaigrettes

Olive brine serves as an excellent acidic element in vinaigrettes. Personal chef Tanorria Askew notes that salad dressings usually require one part acid to two parts oil, making it easy to substitute olive brine for some or all of the acid. This tangy brine complements ingredients like cured meats, avocados, and nuts exceptionally well.

Enhance braises or pan sauces

After searing meat or poultry, consider using olive brine instead of wine or lemon juice to deglaze the pan. This can yield a rich, savory sauce. Additionally, adding a splash during the braising process for lamb or root vegetables can amplify the flavor profile.

Add it to soups or sauces

Another practical use for olive brine is incorporating a dash into soups or sauces when they need a hint of salt and acidity. Kem often finishes her soups with a drizzle of vinegar or lemon juice but finds olive brine to be an ideal alternative. Just remember to reduce the overall saltiness during cooking to prevent your dish from being overly salty.

Elevate your Bloody Mary

While the Dirty Martini steals the spotlight for cocktails made with olive brine, this ingredient can also elevate a classic Bloody Mary. Adding a spoonful of olive brine is a great way to enhance the drink’s savory profile.

Serve as a natural weed killer

In an unexpected twist, olive brine can also serve functions beyond cooking. Askew has discovered that a mixture of olive brine and dish soap can effectively function as a natural weed killer. This might be a surprising yet practical application for those looking for eco-friendly gardening solutions.

Source
www.foodandwine.com