Garlic and Herb Marinated Olives
Immerse your taste buds in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Garlic and Herb Marinated Olives. Perfect as a mezze or appetizer, these olives are infused with a blend of aromatic herbs and zesty garlic, creating a simple yet sophisticated dish that's both healthy and indulgent.
Equipment
- Strainer
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Grater for lemon zest
- Plastic wrap or a sealable container
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed olives 150g / 5.3oz
- 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 30ml
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 15ml
- 1 tsp lemon zest 2g
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 3.8g
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary 1.2g
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme 0.8g
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 0.5g
- 1/4 tsp sea salt 1.5g
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 0.6g
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the olives in a strainer under cold running water to remove excess brine. Allow them to drain fully.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sliced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir these ingredients together to form the base of your marinade.
- Add the chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. Mix well to distribute the herbs and spices evenly throughout the marinade.
- Place the drained olives into the bowl with the marinade and toss gently until the olives are well coated with the herb and garlic mixture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the olives and marinade to a sealable container. Refrigerate and allow the olives to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Before serving, allow the marinated olives to return to room temperature to ensure the olive oil is fluid and the flavors are at their best.
- Toss the olives once more to refresh the coating of herbs and oil, and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve as a delectable starter or part of a mezze platter.
Notes
For the best flavor, use high-quality olives from a mix of green and black varieties. The marinating time is crucial for the olives to absorb the flavors, so don't rush this step. These olives can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for advance preparation. Enjoy them as a standalone snack or alongside other Mediterranean favorites like hummus, pita bread, and feta cheese.