29 Mar 2025
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 430 min
Ingredients:
1/2 lemon
1/3 cup olives
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
Marinated Greek olives are a simple yet flavorful appetizer or snack that's perfect for any occasion. By combining fresh olives with a mix of lemon, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, you can elevate their taste and impress your guests. Follow this easy recipe to create a delightful Mediterranean treat.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Lemon:
- Start by washing the lemon thoroughly. Using a knife, cut the lemon in half. You will use half of the lemon in this recipe.
- Squeeze the juice from the half lemon into a mixing bowl, ensuring to catch any seeds. You can discard the seeds or use a strainer to avoid seeds in the juice.
2. Mix Ingredients:
- In the bowl with the lemon juice, add 1/3 cup of olives. You can use a variety of olives such as Kalamata, green, or a mix, based on your preference.
- Pour in 1/3 cup of olive oil. The olive oil will help to marinate and infuse the flavors into the olives.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. This herb will add a distinct Mediterranean flavor to the marinade.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a hint of spice.
- Place 1 bay leaf into the mixture for an aromatic touch.
3. Stir and Combine:
- With a spoon, gently stir the ingredients together until the olives are well-coated with the mixture and the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Marinate:
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or a jar.
- Let the olives marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For more intense flavor, you can marinate them in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight.
5. Serve:
- After marinating, your Greek olives are ready to serve. They can be enjoyed as a snack, part of a mezze platter, or as a flavorful addition to salads and other dishes.
6. Store:
- Any leftovers can be stored in the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure the olives are submerged in the marinade to keep them fresh.
Tips:
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Feel free to mix different types of olives to create a more complex taste profile.
- Let the olives marinate for at least 24 hours to fully absorb the flavors.
- You can add other herbs and spices, such as thyme or garlic, to customize the marinade to your preference.
- Store the marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Marinated Greek olives are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dish that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy these olives as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a larger spread, and don't forget to experiment with additional herbs and spices to make the recipe your own.