Simply Delicious Marinated Olives

Here’s a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy olives with my recipe for Simply Delicious Marinated Olives. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this dish showcases the bold flavors of garlic, orange, and herbs. The marinade complements the olives beautifully, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this delicious olive dish.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh parsley, garlic, and orange peel creates a vibrant taste that elevates ordinary olives.
• Versatile Use: Great for serving at parties, picnics, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Healthy Snack: Packed with healthy fats from olive oil and a variety of vitamins from fresh ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Option: These marinated olives taste even better after a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are the items you’ll need to prepare these marinated olives effectively.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large shallow dish
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Bowl for serving

Importance of Each Tool

• Large shallow dish: Ideal for mixing the marinade thoroughly with the olives without crowding them.
• Whisk: Ensures that the marinade ingredients are blended seamlessly for maximum flavor.
• Knife: Sharp enough to easily slice garlic and peel oranges for optimal presentation.

Ingredients

Here I’ll show you a simple and delicious marinade to wrap around olives!

For the Marinade

• 14oz / 400g Olives, (pitted (see notes))
• 1/3 cup / 80ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup / 20g very finely diced Fresh Parsley
• 4 fat cloves of Garlic, (peeled & cut into 3 or so slices each)
• 1 Orange, (peeled to around 3/4 strips with vegetable peeler)
• 1 tbsp Red apple vinegar
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Chilli Flakes, (or to spice preference)

How to Make Simply Delicious Marinated Olives

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large shallow dish, whisk together:
1. Extra virgin olive oil
2. Red apple vinegar
3. Finely diced parsley
4. Dried oregano
5. Chilli flakes

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add in:
– Olives
– Orange peel
– Garlic slices

Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.

Step 3: Marinate

Cover the dish and let it marinate for at least an hour. If you have more time, marinate in the fridge for enhanced flavor. Remember to toss occasionally if possible.

Step 4: Serve

Before serving, bring your marinated olives back to room temperature so that the olive oil loosens up nicely. Enjoy!

How to Serve Simply Delicious Marinated Olives

Simply Delicious Marinated Olives are a versatile appetizer that can elevate any gathering. Their rich flavors make them perfect for various serving occasions.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Include them on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, nuts, and cured meats for a delightful contrast of flavors.

With Fresh Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread or warm pita to soak up the flavorful oil and marinade.

In Salads

• Toss the marinated olives into salads for an extra burst of flavor and texture, enhancing both Mediterranean and classic green salads.

As a Topping for Pizza

• Use them as a topping on homemade pizzas for added zest and a savory touch that complements cheese beautifully.

Pairing with Hummus

• Enjoy them alongside hummus or other dips to create a satisfying appetizer platter that’s sure to impress guests.

On Their Own

• Simply serve them in small bowls as a snack during gatherings or while watching your favorite show.

How to Perfect Simply Delicious Marinated Olives

To achieve the best results with your marinated olives, consider these helpful tips to enhance their flavor and presentation.

• Choose Quality Olives: Opt for high-quality olives, as their flavor will significantly impact the final dish.
• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, allow the olives to marinate overnight; this lets the ingredients meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to customize the marinade based on your taste preferences.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili flakes according to your spice tolerance; start with less if you’re unsure.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they can last up to two weeks while maintaining their flavor.
• Bring Back to Room Temperature: Before serving, let the olives sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so that the oil is less viscous and more flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Simply Delicious Marinated Olives

These marinated olives pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing any meal. Here are some great options:

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a refreshing accompaniment.
2. Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil; it complements the olives perfectly.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers stuffed with cheese or grains provide a colorful and tasty side dish.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add heartiness and balance out the richness of the olives.
5. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with vegetables and olive oil dressing pairs well with marinated olives.
6. Feta Cheese Dip: Creamy feta dip served with crackers creates a delightful contrast of flavors when enjoyed together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the right techniques will make your Simply Delicious Marinated Olives even better. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the marinating time: Many people don’t allow enough time for the flavors to meld. Aim for at least an hour, or refrigerate for longer if possible.
• Using the wrong type of olives: Different olives have distinct flavors. Choose a mix of varieties like Kalamata and green olives to enhance the dish.
• Neglecting to taste: Always taste your marinade before adding olives. Adjust seasoning levels to your preference for a perfect balance.
• Overcrowding the dish: If you pack too many olives in one container, they won’t marinate evenly. Use a shallow dish to ensure every olive gets coated.
• Ignoring temperature: Serving cold olives may mask their flavor. Bring marinated olives to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Make sure the olives are submerged in marinade to keep them fresh.

Freezing Simply Delicious Marinated Olives

• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Simply Delicious Marinated Olives

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm them in a baking dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring between intervals until warmed.
• Stovetop: Gently heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Simply Delicious Marinated Olives more flavorful?

You can add spices like cumin or coriander for extra depth. Fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor profile significantly.

Can I use other oils instead of olive oil?

Yes! You can substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions.

How long can I keep my marinated olives?

When stored correctly in the fridge, your Simply Delicious Marinated Olives will last about one week without losing flavor.

What can I serve with my marinated olives?

These olives pair wonderfully with cheeses, crackers, and crusty bread. They also make an excellent addition to salads or antipasto platters.

Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of chili flakes according to your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Simply Delicious Marinated Olives is both easy and versatile. It serves as a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish that can be customized with various spices and herbs. Try experimenting with different ingredients and find your perfect blend!