Description
Ina Garten’s marinated olives blend Mediterranean flavors with herbal complexity. Fragrant rosemary, thyme, and citrus zest elevate simple olives into a sophisticated appetizer perfect for elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (11 oz / 312 g) large green olives with pits, such as Cerignola
- 2 cups (11 oz / 312 g) large black olives with pits, such as Kalamata
- ⅔ cup good olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, smashed
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tsps whole fennel seeds
- 2 tsps chopped fresh thyme leaves
- Zest of 1 orange, peeled in large strips
- ¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Drain green and black olives completely, discarding excess liquid in a mixing bowl.
- Seasoning: Blend orange zest, minced garlic, crushed fennel seeds, chopped thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes into the olives, ensuring thorough and even distribution.
- Flavoring: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add whole thyme sprigs and extra virgin olive oil, gently folding to coat all ingredients uniformly.
- Heating: Select a 10-inch sauté pan, lightly coat with olive oil, and spread the seasoned olive mixture in a single layer over medium-low heat.
- Warming: Stir olives gently every minute to prevent garlic from burning, allowing ingredients to release aromatic oils for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and thoroughly heated.
- Serving: Transfer warm olives immediately to a decorative serving dish, accompanied by a small side plate for olive pits, ready to be enjoyed as a delectable appetizer.
Notes
- Drain Olives Carefully: Remove excess liquid to prevent diluting the marinade’s intense flavors and ensure a concentrated taste experience.
- Season Strategically: Use freshly ground spices like fennel seeds and red pepper flakes to enhance the olives’ natural richness and create a complex flavor profile.
- Heat Gently: Warm olives on medium-low heat to release aromatic oils without burning garlic, which can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor balance.
- Serve Immediately: Present olives while they’re warm to maximize the sensory experience of released herbs and spices, creating a restaurant-quality appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg