Caffeine Free Marinated Olives with Citrus and Herbs
These marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that makes a simple gathering feel genuinely special. A trio of plump, briny olives — think buttery Castelvetrano, rich Kalamata, and meaty Cerignola — gets warmed low and slow in extra-virgin olive oil with smashed garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and bright strips of orange and lemon zest. That gentle heat is the real secret: it coaxes every aromatic into the oil without scorching anything, so the finished dish tastes like it came from a Mediterranean kitchen rather than a jar. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting, and the optional fennel seeds bring a subtle, anise-like depth that pairs beautifully with the citrus. After a 30-minute rest, the flavors meld into something far greater than the sum of their parts. Serve them warm or at room temperature straight from the pan, herb sprigs and zest strips still nestled in for a gorgeous, effortless presentation. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of stimulants, so this is a snack you can enjoy any time of day without a second thought.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups mixed olives, drained (such as castelvetrano, kalamata, and cerignola)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, lightly smashed and peeled
- 3 wide strips orange zest (removed with a vegetable peeler)
- 2 wide strips lemon zest (removed with a vegetable peeler)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, garlic, orange zest, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, and fennel seeds (if using) in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm until the oil begins to sizzle gently around the garlic and the herbs are fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Do not let the garlic brown.
- 2
Add the drained olives to the saucepan and stir to coat. Continue to warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the olives are heated through and the oil is deeply fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
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