Greek Marinated Olives Recipe

[toniiv]

I love to serve marinated Greek olives when I have people over. It's easy to do, and I change things each time. The amounts are for a big serving enough for company. I halve the recipe otherwise.

• 2 cups mixed Greek olives (such as Kalamata, green, or black)
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the olives: Rinse the olives under cold water to remove excess brine. If the olives are very salty, you can soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, combine the olives, sliced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using. Gently toss to coat the olives evenly with the marinade.
3. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the olives and marinade to a sealable container. Let the olives marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve: Before serving, let the olives come to room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. Optionally, garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs for extra freshness and aroma.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Greek-style marinated olives are a delightful treat and easy to prepare at home! Start with good-quality olives like Kalamata or green olives. This is a great recipe! Here's a look at what I do:

Rinse and drain them well. For the marinade, mix extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Add a variety of herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and don't forget a few chili flakes for a slight kick. Toss in some slices of fresh lemon and orange for a citrusy twist. You can also add bay leaves and cracked black pepper. Combine everything in a bowl and let it marinate for at least 24 hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together.