Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused Marinated Green Olives?
They are a Spanish-style appetizer featuring green olives marinated with garlic, coriander, fennel, thyme, rosemary, and orange.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe is adapted from Ryland, Peters, and Small's Tapas Cookbook.
How long should the olives be marinated?
The olives should be marinated for a full 6 days at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pitted, whole green olives.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 6 garlic cloves for this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be sliced before being added to the olive mixture.
What spices are used in the marinade?
The marinade uses crushed coriander seeds and crushed fennel seeds.
How much coriander seed is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of crushed coriander seed.
How much fennel seed should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of crushed fennel seed.
Which fresh herbs are included?
The recipe includes fresh thyme sprigs and rosemary sprigs.
How many thyme sprigs are needed?
You should use 6 fresh thyme sprigs.
How many rosemary sprigs are required?
The recipe calls for 4 rosemary sprigs.
Does this recipe use citrus?
Yes, it uses both the zest and the juice of one orange.
What type of oil is used for the marinade?
The olives and herbs are covered in olive oil.
How much olive oil is necessary?
Use as much olive oil as needed to completely cover the olives and the herb mixture in the jar.
Should the olives be marinated in the refrigerator?
No, the instructions specify letting the jar sit at room temperature for 6 days.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by placing the green olives in a large mixing bowl.
When should I add the orange juice?
Squeeze the juice of the orange into the bowl after adding the garlic, seeds, and herbs.
What kind of container should I use for marinating?
Use a clean glass jar that fits the olives snugly and has a tight-sealing lid.
Do I need to shake the jar?
Yes, give the jar a gentle shake once a day during the 6-day marination period to redistribute the ingredients.
Can these olives be given as a gift?
Yes, they make a wonderful homemade gift when packaged in charming glass jars.
What occasions are these olives suitable for?
They are ideal for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or as party snacks for a night in with friends.
What is the preparation style for the olives?
The olives should be pitted and kept whole.
Is this recipe considered a Mediterranean dish?
Yes, it features Mediterranean flavors and is described as a Spanish tapas dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Should the coriander and fennel seeds be whole?
No, both the coriander seeds and fennel seeds should be crushed.
What should I do after sealing the jar for the first time?
Give it a gentle shake to combine all the ingredients and ensure the olives are well-coated.
What is the total marination time?
The olives need to marinate for 6 days.
What does the orange zest add to the recipe?
The orange zest adds a vibrant citrus aroma and flavor to the herb-infused marinade.
How do I ensure the flavors fully develop?
By letting the jar sit for 6 days and shaking it gently once a day to redistribute the aromatic herbs and spices.