Description
A bold and savory appetizer, these marinated olives are infused with garlic, citrus, and herbs. Perfect for entertaining or snacking, they’re easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups mixed olives (such as Kalamata, Castelvetrano, green, and black), pitted or whole
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 sprigs fresh thyme
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Rinse the olives under cold water to remove excess brine and let them drain thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and lemon zest.
- Warm the mixture over low heat for 5–7 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the olives and lemon juice, then heat gently for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the olives cool completely in the oil mixture.
- Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to marinate.
- Before serving, bring the olives to room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Marinate the olives for at least 24 hours for best flavor.
Use a mix of olives for varied flavor and texture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Let come to room temperature before serving to re-liquefy the olive oil.
Optional add-ins include orange zest, capers, or anchovies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg