Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

MoroccanAuthentic Cuisine

Spicy Olives (Zitoun Mcharmel)

Serves 8 Side vegetarian, Sides

Spicy Olives (Zitoun Mcharmel)

Spicy Olives, or Zitoun Mcharmel, are a staple of Moroccan café culture. This vibrant dish finds its place on tables across the country, offering a zesty companion to the daily bread. It transforms the simple olive into a bold appetizer, ideal for those moments when you want something more exciting than a standard salad. The dish reflects the Moroccan knack for turning humble ingredients into something unforgettable.

The olives are vibrant with the tang of preserved lemon and the warmth of chermoula. A hint of cayenne adds a kick, making each bite an adventure. The cumin and paprika weave in earthy notes, while sliced garlic brings a mild pungency. This dish is a symphony of flavors, each component playing its part without overshadowing the others.

Ingredients

  • 400 g (14 oz)mixed Moroccan olives
  • 2 tbspchermoula or chopped cilantro
  • 2garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 tspcumin
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • 1/2 tspcayenne
  • 1/4, rind sliveredpreserved lemon
  • 3 tbspolive oil

Method

  1. Start by placing 400 g (14 oz) of mixed Moroccan olives in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess brine, which can be overly salty. Shake the colander gently to drain the water completely.
  2. Transfer the rinsed olives to a mixing bowl. Add 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, to the bowl. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne. These spices will give the olives a warm, spicy aroma and a vibrant color.
  3. Add 1/4 of a preserved lemon rind, slivered, to the bowl. This will add a tangy, citrusy note that complements the olives' natural flavor. Then, add 2 tablespoons of chermoula or chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal touch.
  4. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to toss the olives, ensuring they are evenly coated with the spices, garlic, preserved lemon, and herbs. The oil will help the flavors meld together.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the olives rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature. For a more intense flavor, refrigerate them overnight, allowing the spices and herbs to infuse deeply into the olives.
  6. Before serving, bring the olives to room temperature if they were refrigerated. This will enhance their flavors and make them more aromatic. Serve them in a small bowl alongside crusty bread, allowing the spicy, tangy olives to shine as a flavorful appetizer.
Cover of Authentic Moroccan Cuisine Preview the cookbookBrowse the dishes inside
From the cookbook

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Moroccan Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Moroccan volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Buy the cookbook on Amazon Explore Moroccan cuisine