Mediterranean Garlic-Infused Green Olives
Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Mediterranean Garlic-Infused Green Olives. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a delightful addition to any mezze platter, these olives are stuffed with roasted garlic and infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Marinated in a flavorful olive oil, these olives not only make for a unique snack but can also serve as a luxurious dipping oil for crusty bread. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this low-cholesterol recipe is sure to enhance your next culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Queen Anne-sized green olives
30 (Separate from brine and set aside.)
Garlic heads
2 (Peeled and trimmed.)
Italian mix herbs
To taste (Includes oregano, basil, and parsley.)
Red chili pepper flakes
To taste
Olive oil
Enough to cover garlic
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Peel the garlic cloves, trimming the rough ends for a clean finish.
3
Arrange the garlic in an oven-safe container and generously cover them with olive oil.
4
Sprinkle the Italian herb mix, including oregano, basil, parsley, and red chili pepper flakes, over the garlic according to taste.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the oil to bubble for about 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
6
Once done, remove the container from the oven and let the garlic cool slightly.
7
Using a toothpick, carefully remove the pimento from each olive.
8
Stuff each olive with a roasted garlic clove, packing it nicely.
9
Return the stuffed olives to their original brine in a container, ensuring they remain covered.
10
Remember, the garlic-infused olive oil can be repurposed as a delicious dipping sauce for crusty bread, making this dish versatile and flavorful.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Garlic-Infused Green Olives?
They are an appetizer featuring Queen Anne-sized green olives stuffed with roasted garlic and marinated in herb-infused olive oil.
What type of olives should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 30 Queen Anne-sized green olives.
How much garlic is required?
You will need two heads of garlic, peeled and trimmed.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What herbs are used in the Italian mix?
The Italian herb mix typically includes oregano, basil, and parsley.
How long do the garlic cloves need to bake?
The garlic should bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the oil bubbles for about 2 minutes.
How do I prepare the olives for stuffing?
Carefully remove the pimento from each olive using a toothpick.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients like olives, garlic, and herbs.
Can I reuse the olive oil from the roasting process?
Absolutely, the garlic-infused olive oil makes a luxurious dipping sauce for crusty bread.
How should I store the stuffed olives?
Return the stuffed olives to their original brine in a container to keep them fresh.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, it is specifically described as a low-cholesterol recipe.
Can I make these olives spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chili pepper flakes to your taste preference.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Do I need to trim the garlic?
Yes, you should peel the cloves and trim the rough ends for a clean finish.
How much oil is needed for the garlic?
Use enough olive oil to generously cover the garlic cloves in the oven-safe container.
When do I add the herbs?
Sprinkle the herbs over the garlic before placing the container in the oven.
Do I need to cool the garlic after roasting?
Yes, let the garlic cool slightly after removing it from the oven before stuffing the olives.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe consists of 5 main ingredients.
What can I serve these olives with?
They are perfect for mezze platters or as a standalone appetizer with crusty bread.
What size should the olives be?
Queen Anne-sized olives are recommended for their large size which accommodates the garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered a healthy snack?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy snack option.
Can I use fresh chili instead of flakes?
While the recipe calls for flakes, you can adapt it to use fresh chili if preferred.
What is the purpose of the toothpick?
The toothpick is used to easily remove the pimento stuffing from the green olives.
Does the recipe require any special cooking skills?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe.
How do I ensure the olives stay flavorful?
Keeping them covered in their original brine helps maintain their flavor and moisture.
Can I use this for a party?
Yes, it is highly recommended as party food or for gatherings.
Is the garlic-infused oil spicy?
It has a mild kick depending on how many red chili pepper flakes you add.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe suggests using an Italian mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil.
How many garlic cloves go into each olive?
Each olive is stuffed with one roasted garlic clove.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish is Mediterranean with strong garlic and aromatic herb notes.