Prepare to embark on a Mediterranean flavor journey that will transform your appetizer game forever! These Warm Olives with Fennel and Preserved Lemon are not just a dish—they're a sensory experience that will transport you to sun-drenched coastal kitchens with just one bite. Imagine a vibrant, aromatic blend of briny olives, caramelized fennel, and zesty preserved lemon that will elevate your culinary skills from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed olives
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced
- 1 preserved lemon, rind only, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of mixed olives, 1 sliced fennel bulb, the rind of 1 preserved lemon diced, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sliced fennel bulb to the skillet. Sauté the fennel for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once the fennel is tender, add the mixed olives to the skillet. Stir to combine the olives with the fennel.
- Next, add the diced preserved lemon rind and the teaspoon of thyme to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors meld.
- Continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the olives to warm through and absorb the flavors from the fennel and preserved lemon.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Transfer the warm olives with fennel and preserved lemon to a serving dish. Serve immediately as an appetizer or side dish, enjoying the Mediterranean flavors.
Tips
- Choose a variety of high-quality olives for the most complex flavor profile. Mix green, black, and kalamata olives for visual and taste diversity.
- When slicing fennel, use a sharp knife and cut thin, uniform pieces to ensure even caramelization.
- If preserved lemon is hard to find, you can substitute with lemon zest and a pinch of salt, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it helps distribute heat evenly and can enhance the caramelization of fennel.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the olives at their warmest and most flavorful state.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or as a side to grilled fish or roasted chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
