Imagine a bite-sized explosion of flavor that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one taste. These Herb Garlic Marinated Olives are not just a simple appetizer, but a culinary journey that will elevate your entertaining skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Packed with aromatic herbs, zesty garlic, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, this recipe is about to become your secret weapon in creating unforgettable appetizer experiences.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed olives
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the mixed olives under cool water to remove any excess brine or salt.
- Peel and finely mince the fresh garlic cloves using a sharp kitchen knife, ensuring the pieces are small and uniform.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the high-quality extra virgin olive oil with the minced garlic, creating a fragrant base for marinating.
- Gently strip the fresh rosemary and thyme leaves from their stems, then finely chop them to release their aromatic oils and maximize flavor infusion.
- Add the chopped rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the olive oil and garlic mixture, whisking them together to create a well-combined herb-infused marinade.
- Place the rinsed olives into the bowl with the herb marinade, carefully folding and coating each olive to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, allowing the olives to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, remove the olives from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature to enhance their flavor profile.
- Transfer the marinated olives to a serving dish, making sure to include some of the herb-infused oil for additional flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, mixed olives for the best flavor complexity
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible - they make a significant difference in taste
- Allow plenty of marinating time (at least 2 hours, overnight is best) to develop deep, rich flavors
- Let olives come to room temperature before serving to maximize their taste profile
- Don't discard the herb-infused oil - it's delicious drizzled over bread or used in salad dressings
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon zest to the marinade
- Store marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
