Italian Marinated Olives Barona Food

WARM MARINATED OLIVES

Steps:

• Drain the green and black olives from the brine or oil that they're packed in and place them in a medium bowl. Add the orange zest, garlic, fennel seeds, thyme leaves, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Pour the olive oil over the mixture, add the thyme sprigs and toss to combine.
• Transfer the mixture, including the olive oil, to a medium (10-inch) sauté pan. Heat over medium heat until the oil begins to sizzle. Lower the heat and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the olives and garlic are heated through and fragrant. Serve warm right from the pan or transfer to a serving dish. Offer a small dish for the pits.

ITALIAN OLIVES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, pepper flakes and salt; pour over olive mixture; toss to coat. , Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

MARINATED OLIVES

Steps:

• Put the olives in a shallow bowl, add the lemon strips and herbs; season with salt and pepper. Toss gently with your hands to combine. Cover with olive oil and let marinate for 30 to 45 minutes. Serve as a noshing platter alongside the fried zucchini flowers.

OLIVE MARINATE

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors mingle.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature as an appetizer or accompaniment to cocktails.
• Variations.
• French (Olives marinées): use black niçoise olives, thyme and a little lavender.
• Greek: use black Kalamata olives and dried oregano and thyme.
• Italian (Olive marinata): use chopped rosemary, thyme and peppercorns.
• North African (Mslalla): use oil-cured black olives and substitute lemon juice for the red wine vinegar. Stir in cumin seeds, coriander seeds, lemon and orange zest and crushed red pepper.
• Spanish (Aceitunas aliñadas): use paprika, cumin seeds and peppercorns.
• Here is a list of the most popular herbs and seasonings mixed with marinated olives. Mix and match to suit your own taste:Bay leaves,Cardamom seed,Cracked black pepper,Crushed red pepper,Cumin seed,Fennel seed,Lavender,Lemon, lime or orange zest,Oregano,Paprika,Rosemary,Sun-dried tomatoes,Thyme.