Artificial Flavors Free Citrus & Herb Marinated Olives
These marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that makes guests think you spent hours in the kitchen — when really, the whole thing comes together in one small saucepan. Fresh rosemary, thyme, sliced garlic, and a double hit of citrus zest do all the heavy lifting here, creating layers of aroma and brightness that no bottled flavoring could replicate. A pinch of turmeric and ground ginger add just enough warmth to make the flavor profile feel genuinely interesting rather than one-note. The trick of gently blooming the garlic and herbs in olive oil before adding the olives is what sets this apart — it coaxes out every bit of natural flavor without shortcuts. Store-bought marinated olives often sneak in natural or artificial flavor additives to mimic that slow-infused taste, so making your own means you know exactly what's in the bowl. A splash of fresh orange juice stirred in at the end ties everything together with a clean, bright finish. Let them rest for thirty minutes before serving and the infused oil becomes something you'll want to mop up with crusty bread.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups mixed olives, pitted or unpitted
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp orange zest (from about ½ orange)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about ½ lemon)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until the garlic is softened and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 4–5 minutes — watch closely, as the garlic can brown quickly.
- 2
Add the olives, orange zest, lemon zest, turmeric, ginger, and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the olives in the oil and spices, then cook until the olives are warmed through and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
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