3 ways to cook Quinoa Gnocchi

Olea Europaea Quinoa Gnocchi

While it is perfectly legitimate to eat your Quinoa Gnocchi simply drained and tossed in a little browned butter and sage (because it tastes great even if you do little to it) or in a decadent four-cheese sauce, baked to perfection, it would certainly help to shake things up a bit every now and then.

Here are our Top 3 Recipes to cook Quinoa Gnocchi that you would love:

        i.            Gnocchi Soup: Heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a soup pot. Add a bay leaf, 3-4 peppercorns, 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped, 1 medium sized onion finely chopped, 1 small carrot finely chopped and sauté on medium heat until the onions turn translucent. Now, add 1 cup of vegetables of choice (shelled peas, broccoli florets, cubed zucchini, corn, etc.) and sauté again, briefly. Now, pour in 3 cups of milk and ¾ cup of quinoa gnocchi, followed by 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in a little water. Stir well until the milk begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper and a few stalks of thyme. Simmer gently for 6-8 minutes or until the vegetables and gnocchi are cooked through, and serve hot with a sprinkling of cheese.

      ii.            Toasted Gnocchi, with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts: Cook 1 cup of gnocchi according to the instructions on the pack. Drain and transfer to a baking tray. Season with salt and pepper and a generous 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees centigrade for 6-8 minutes or until lightly golden. Heat ½ teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Add 1-2 sage leaves, torn followed by 2 cups of halved button mushrooms, a pinch of salt, and sauté on high heat until just cooked. Add 2 teaspoons of Balsamic vinegar and turn off the heat. Now combine the Gnochhi and Mushrooms on a platter and top with crumbled Gorgonzola, torn roquette, and toasted pine nuts. Serve warm.

    iii.            Gnocchi Shepherd’s Pie: Cook 1 large cup of Quinoa Gnocchi according to the instructions on the pack. Drain and keep aside. Meanwhile, pressure cook 1 cup of rehydrated soya kheema with 1 teaspoon garlic paste, 3 peppercorns, and salt to taste until cooked through. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and sauté one onion finely chopped until it turns translucent. Now tip in one small chopped tomato and sauté until the oil begins to separate. Add salt to taste, ½ teaspoon of garam masala and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and a handful of fresh basil followed by ½ cup of thawed frozen peas. Now add the cooked mince of soy and mix well. Cook together until the flavours combine and there is not much moisture left. Layer the same in a baking dish and top with the cooked quinoa gnocchi. Now add a generous sprinkling of cheddar and mozzarella cheese and finally, a few chili flakes. Bake in a pre heated oven at 200 degrees centigrade for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and gets a light golden colour. Serve hot with a side of salad.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

El olivo' Organic White Quinoa stuffed Bell pepper

This is a great one-dish meal option, especially when you are alone. It needs very little prep,
almost makes itself, and tastes fabulous!

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

       1 large red or yellow bell pepper

       2-3 baby corn, chopped

        1 small shallot, chopped 
¼ cup El Olivo organic white quinoa cooked in ½ cup water 

         2-3 Olea Europaea sundried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped 
Sea Salt to taste 
1 teaspoon Olive Tree extra virgin olive oil
 ½ teaspoon red chili powder
1 tablespoon of mozzarella  (grated)  

2-3 basil leaves, chopped 
                                                                                                    

     Method:

Heat oil in a pan. Add the garlic, shallot, and baby corn. Sauté until fragrant. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and basil. Tip in the quinoa. Toss to mix. Core the inside of a bell pepper to remove seeds. Fill the cavity with the quinoa mixture. Top with grated mozarella and bake at 200 degrees centigrade for 10-15 minutes or until the bell pepper is slightly charred and the cheese is melting. Serve hot.

Infinite benefits of Olives and Olive Oil

Infinite benefits of Olives and Olive oil

Well-aware of the infinite benefits of olives and olive oil, the Romans thought that the humble olive deserved a lot more recognition. The Roman Aristocracy believed that good health was the outcome of two things- Wine and olive oil. The olive branch and its fruit were considered symbols of wealth, peace and prosperity. Technically classified as fruits of the ‘Oleo Europaea’ tree, a tree which thrives for decades, olives add a punch to your meals! Similarly, the oil extracted from olives forms the basis of Italian, Greek, Spanish and several other cuisines and dishes.

The colour of the olive is a measure of the ripeness of the fruit- green olives are picked before ripening while black olives are picked after.  Both the varieties are generally soaked in brine (water and salt mixture) which helps in eliminating the natural bitterness, making the olives more palatable. Green olives are widely used for making stuffed olives- incorporating a wide number of ingredients that can be used as stuffing- pimentos, jalapenos, garlic, almonds, capers and many more. The Kalamata olive from Greece with its glorious purple-black colour and depths of flavor, is one of the most eminent varieties of olives around the world. Kalamata olives are known for the fabulous flavour they lend to a classic pasta puttanesca or a simple salad dressing. However, there are several other varieties of olives like Leccino and Taggiasche, slowly gaining popularity. The health benefits of both black and green olives are numerous.  Green olives contain no fats or trans-fats and small proportions of vitamins and minerals. A typical Mediterranean meal largely comprises of olives and olive oil amongst other healthy ingredients. No wonder, consumption of a Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of osteoporosis, cancer prevention and is also strikingly high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Both black olives and green olives are also high in iron and are excellent sources of Vitamin E.

Use olives to garnish a dirty martini or as a pizza topping! With a little creativity- you can discover numerous uses of olives- a light, roasted garlic and green olive vinaigrette with orange to dress up a simple salad, a creamy garlic, chili and olive dip with crustini or crackers, sliced Kalamata olives in a minestrone or bisque, stuffed olives served as antipasti, for mains- whole or sliced black olives work well with pan-seared tofu, over wood-fired pizza or combined with sautéed porcini mushrooms & cherry tomatoes and stuffed in a rustic ciabatta. Add olives to your side dish potatoes, salads, sprouts or vegetables for a delicious flavour! Experiment with olives in your meals- whole olives, sliced, chopped or a flavourful pâté with mushrooms or onions! With its delicious taste, adaptability & the varieties available today, one is spoilt for choice. This also means there are so many more reasons to have a jar or two of olives stacked in your pantry!

OliveTree Trading has a range of whole, pitted, stuffed, Kalamata, Leccino and Taggiasche olives, sourced from countries around the world, to savour your taste buds. Use these in simple or complex recipes, for dinners or drinks to add flavour and character to your dishes instantly!

Risotto with Artichokes

Olea Europaea's Sliced artichokes in Olive oil

Serves 4

Ingredients:

5 - 6 cups vegetable stock

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 1/2 cups Olea Europaea arborio, carnaroli or vialone nano rice

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup Oleo Europaea sliced artichokes in olive oil

4 tbsp. unsalted butter 

2 tablespoons olive oil

Zest & juice from one lemon

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Place the stock in a pot with the artichokes and keep warm.

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a heavy saucepan. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent. Add the Italian rice and stir until it is well coated with butter. Add white wine and stir continually over medium heat until it is absorbed.

Start by adding a ladle full of warm stock, stirring as it is absorbed. Continue in this manner, adding ladles full of stock and stirring continuously for about 10 minutes. Add the artichokes as well and continue adding the stock for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked al-dente, with a creamy texture . Remove from heat and finish with remaining butter, lemon juice, zest and parmesan cheese. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve hot.

About the Chairman Suku Shah - Olive Tree Trading

Chairman and Managing Director of Olive Tree Trading

Mr.Suku Shah is the chairman and managing director of Olive Tree Trading Pvt. Ltd. who boldly admits he has extravagant, gourmet tastes when it comes to food and drink. A businessman from Bombay who studied in the USA, Mr. SukuShah started Olive Tree with the idea of importing, distributing and marketing quality products in the food and beverage industry that would enhance healthier lifestyles. What began with a simple bottle of olive oil over fourteen years ago is, today an ever-expanding range of ingredients that make every homemaker, restaurant, and chef proud.

Olive Tree:

Olive Tree, based in Pune, stemmed from a need for India’s growing gastronomic interests, influenced by extensive travel and culinary knowledge, the company brought authentic Italian Olive Oil to India over 14 years ago. Olive Tree is an extension of founder, Mr. Suku Shah’s tastes and values. At Olive Tree, the belief is  ‘what you eat is what you are’- that is why only reputed products with a conscience hang from the branches of this Olive Tree.Each product, its ingredients and manufacturing process, is carefully studied before it is added to their product portfolio.

Apart from promoting a healthy lifestyle, Olive Tree also specializes in organic, gluten-free, lactose-free products to offer quality substitutes for people with special dietary requirements; healthy vegan alternatives for dairy like Silk almond & soy milk, Mori-Nu silken tofu, ElOlivo organic & gluten-free quinoa, lowered sodium products like the OleaEuropaea range of hand stuffed olives, baked rye snacks and premium products that include an organic, unfiltered range of extra virgin olive oil, pure olive oil, authentic Italian-style pesto, highest fruit content jams, raw Italian honey, truffle products-black truffle sea salt, truffle & mushroom cream, espresso machines and premium coffee capsules by OleaEuropaea, rich in omega 3 Anchovies & Tuna in olive oil by Rizzoli….

Olive Tree not only has a growing retail distribution chain selling their products with an aim to ensure premium quality products and ease of accessibility, but is also now reaching out to the increasing number of gourmands and discerning families across India, who are willing to experiment at home, through their online store-www.olivetreetrading.com.

Launched in 2012, olivetreetrading.com receives and door delivers orders across India, including the most remote regions, through its logistics partners and own delivery network, from organic to exotic, the perfect ingredients are just a click away.

Olive Tree’s exclusive, dedicated, customs bonded warehousing facility ensures that each product is handled optimally; to keep the quality as fresh as the manufacturer intended, and as enjoyable as the consumer desires. “Right from sourcing, to storage, to delivery, Olive Tree ensures that the freshest and the best products reach each of our customers and culinary partners, because we share their commitment to superior quality and refined tastes,” states Mr. Suku Shah.

Early life:

Mr. Suku Shah grew up in Bombay, studied in Los Angeles and returned to join the family business. He then dabbled in a courier business in Mumbai and crankshaft machining factory in Pune. He sold his crankshaft-manufacturing unit in 2001. He was holidaying with his family when the concept of Olive Tree stemmed; at a dining table in a five-star hotel, Mr. Suku Shah was told if he wanted better olive oil, he would need to import it himself. So he did!

Philosophy:

“Food is serious business, it should be, it feeds our families, it feeds our economy, and both of these are reason enough to put only the best of the world, on every discerning table.” - Mr. Suku Shah

India’s tastes are expanding. Not just in depth but width too. Olive Tree is at the top of this dynamic cultural convergence through their food and is constantly promoting new tastes, and pioneering culinary concepts. Over the years, Olive Tree has satisfied some of the most refined palates, fulfilled culinary experiences, and evolved menus across cultures and will continue to set their benchmarks high to meet today’s ever evolving, wellness-oriented lifestyles.

Olive Oil

One of the most spoken about ingredients and arguably the healthiest in its category, olive oil is amongst the highest demanded products today. Due to its innumerable health benefits and its versatility of being used in a wide range of cuisines, olive oil has slowly but gradually established its way into every home and restaurant kitchen shelf.

This beautiful oil, however, needs a little bit of extra care and caution. Bright light, oxygen, high temperatures are some of the enemies of fats and oils. Thus, their shelf life automatically increases if any of these factors are abridged. More oxygen equals more degradation. Hence, using sturdy, tight-capped bottles are generally recommended. In case of temperatures, 57 degree Fahrenheit is considered ideal for the storage of olive oils. 

For cooking, these can then be used chilled, or allowed to come back to room temperature, especially if it is being used in a salad or dip.

Lastly, coming to the factor of light, it is vital to store olive oils in dark coloured, glass bottles to maintain quality and extend their shelf-life. Though light coloured or even transparent bottles may make the oils more visually appearing, these enable ultraviolet rays to enter the bottle more prominently, giving additional room for spoilage. 

Therefore, we at Olive Tree Trading, ensure that our top- grade, olive oils are packed in dark, glass bottles to give you the best we have to offer. This also ensures that all the positive attributes of the olive oil are safeguarded, as the dark bottles guarantee protection against heat and also help in maintaining temperatures to a certain extent.

Another important aspect of storing in dark bottles is that the naturally present vitamins in the olive oil, particularly Vitamin E is retained; compared to storing it in regular plastic or light coloured bottles which leads to a drastic decrease in the level of vitamins and antioxidants.

Olive Tree Trading ensures only the best quality olive oils, carefully picked and selected from Olive Tree, delivered straight to your doorstep. We also offer a 25% discount on all products purchased through our gourmet online store.