Olive and Pomegranate Spread - Zeitoon Parvardeh - زیتون پَرورده

This is a modern take on the very traditional side dish from Gilan Province, where there are plenty of olive groves.  Zeytoon (زیتون, olive) and anar (انار, pomegranate) are the main ingredients for this flavoursome side dish.  The original recipe includes ground dried sour pomegranate seeds and paste, lemon juice and Persian Hogwood. It goes perfectly well with any type of meat and most herbs.  For simplicity, we have re-created it in tapenade style. It can be served as a snack accompanied with feta cheese and crusty bread.

Here is the recipe:

2 cups roughly chopped and pitted olives

1/4 cup walnuts

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1-2 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoons chopped mint

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Pepper to season 

Process in a food processor bowl and make it as chunky or smooth as you like.

Serve it cold with crusty bread.