Nutmeg 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 stovetop does most of the work in under ten minutes. Warm olive oil slowly coaxes the garlic into something soft and golden, then the whole pan comes alive with citrus zest, rosemary, thyme, and a gentle warmth from turmeric and ginger. That splash of fresh orange juice stirred in at the end ties everything together with a bright, slightly sweet finish that balances the briny olives beautifully. Many spice-forward olive recipes lean on warming blends that can include hidden aromatics, but every ingredient here is straightforward and clearly defined — no mystery seasonings, no surprises. The hardest part is honestly waiting the 30 minutes for the flavors to deepen before you dig in. Serve them straight from the bowl with crusty bread to soak up that fragrant infused oil, and watch them disappear faster than you'd expect.
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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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