Citrus Marinated Warm Olives


Citrus Marinated Warm Olives

2 cups of various olives
Zest from half an orange and half a lemon
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
2-3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
Fresh thyme, or other aromatic herbs such as rosemary or sage
Red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended for a touch of heat)
Fennel seeds (optional)

Other options:
Freshly shaved fennel
Coriander seeds
Cumin

A word about buying olives. Often times olives are ridiculously over-priced, especially at larger chain supermarkets. Always check your store's "ethnic" sections or local corner markets for a better price on olives before over-spending on an eight ounce jar of brine at the closest local mega-mart.

Drain and rinse the olives. Over low heat, mix the olives and olive oil together. Use just enough oil to coat the fruit. Add the citrus zest, garlic slices, herbs, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes and stir. Heat until the olives are warm all the way through, about four to five minutes. These can be made ahead of time and serve chilled (or reheat) if you want.

From: sarah sprague's blog
recipe picture
Sarah Sprague