Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

Marinated Olives with Citrus & Herbs

Serves 4 Appetizer vegan, Appetizers

Marinated Olives with Citrus & Herbs

Marinated Olives with Citrus & Herbs is a staple on Mediterranean tables, where fresh olive oil and lemon are always within reach. This dish captures the essence of leisurely afternoons, where small plates filled with vibrant flavors invite friends and family to linger. It’s the kind of everyday cooking that feels both familiar and special, embodying the spirit of coastal living.

Expect a burst of briny olives mingling with the brightness of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the aromatic notes of rosemary and oregano. A subtle heat from chili flakes adds depth, while a pinch of fine sea salt ties it all together. Serve these olives as a simple yet elegant appetizer, evoking the taste of the sea and the garden in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 400 gmixed olives
  • 3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
  • 1lemon — zested
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • 1 tsporegano
  • 1 sprigrosemary
  • chili flakes — optional
  • pinchfine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing all components for the Marinated Olives with Citrus & Herbs. Rinse 400 g of mixed olives under cold water to remove any excess brine and let them drain in a colander. Peel 2 cloves of garlic and slice them thinly. Zest 1 lemon using a microplane or fine grater, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith. Cut the lemon in half and set aside for later use.
  2. In a medium-sized skillet, pour in 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and set the heat to low. Add the sliced garlic to the oil, allowing it to gently infuse the oil without browning. Once the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly translucent, add 1 tsp of oregano, 1 sprig of rosemary, and a pinch of chili flakes to the skillet. Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors.
  3. Introduce the drained olives to the skillet, stirring them to coat evenly with the aromatic oil and herbs. Sprinkle a pinch of fine sea salt over the olives to enhance their natural flavors. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the olives are warmed through and have absorbed the flavors of the oil and herbs, about 5 to 7 minutes. The olives should appear glossy and well-coated.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the olives, tossing them gently to distribute the citrus flavor evenly. Add the lemon zest for an additional burst of citrus aroma. Allow the olives to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  5. Transfer the marinated olives to a serving dish, ensuring to include the garlic slices and herbs for added flavor and presentation. Serve the olives at room temperature, allowing the Mediterranean flavors to shine through. This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a glass of wine, embodying the easy generosity of a Mediterranean table.