There are other appetizers similar to this, like fried mushrooms, fried zucchini, fried pickles, so why not fried olives? They are just the right size to pop in your mouth and enjoy.
1 5 1/2 oz. small pitted green olives (or pimento stuffed olives)
1/2 c. plain bread crumbs
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 egg, well beaten, or 1/2 c. buttermilk
vegetable oil, for frying
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Aioli Dip:
1/3 c. mayonnaise
freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 lemon
1 clove garlic, finely minced
salt and pepper, to taste
In a heavy bottomed pot, heat several inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 325-350 degrees.
While heating, set out the flour in a shallow dish and breadcrumbs in another. Place the beaten egg or the buttermilk in a small bowl.
Dredge the olives in the flour and then into the beaten egg or buttermilk.
Evenly coat them in the breadcrumbs by rolling them around.
Fry olives, in batches, in the hot oil until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Drain on a paper towel.
Serve hot. Use toothpicks for easy dipping.
Aioli dip:
Whisk together all dip ingredients.
Tip:
The olives can be reheated by putting in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes, or can even be briefly microwaved.