Mediterranean Garlic-Infused Olives
Elevate your snacking game with these Mediterranean Garlic-Infused Olives! This delightful recipe combines the briny flavor of jumbo black olives with the aromatic essence of fresh garlic and the warmth of Italian herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, a party snack, or a delicious addition to salads and charcuterie boards, these marinated olives will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful jar of olives that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dishes. Let the Mediterranean flavors transport you with every savory bite!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo black olives
1 can (drained)
garlic cloves
enough to fill olives (peeled)
olive oil
enough to cover (none)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
red chili pepper
1 (whole or crushed)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the jumbo black olives and setting them aside.
2
Peel the garlic cloves and stuff them into the olives. If you're using large cloves, feel free to cut them down to fit comfortably inside.
3
Transfer the stuffed olives into a clean jar, such as a pickle or mason jar, ensuring that the olives are packed snugly.
4
Pour enough olive oil over the olives to fully submerge them, creating a luscious marinade.
5
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add the whole or crushed red chili pepper for a hint of heat.
6
Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to mix the seasonings with the oil.
7
Allow the olives to marinate for a few hours at room temperature or, for best results, refrigerate and let them sit for up to 24 hours, enabling the flavors to meld perfectly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Garlic-Infused Olives?
They are jumbo black olives stuffed with fresh garlic and marinated in a blend of olive oil, Italian herbs, and red chili pepper.
What type of olives are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for jumbo black olives because their large size makes them easy to stuff with garlic cloves.
Can I use green olives instead of black olives?
Yes, you can use green olives, though the flavor profile will be more tart compared to the earthy taste of black olives.
Do I need to peel the garlic before stuffing the olives?
Yes, you should peel the garlic cloves entirely before attempting to stuff them into the olives.
What should I do if the garlic cloves are too big to fit in the olives?
If the garlic cloves are too large, simply cut them down into smaller pieces or slivers so they fit comfortably inside the olives.
What kind of oil should I use for the marinade?
High-quality olive oil is recommended to create a luscious marinade and maintain the authentic Mediterranean flavor.
How much olive oil do I need?
You need enough olive oil to fully submerge all the stuffed olives once they are packed into the jar.
What is in the Italian seasoning used in this recipe?
Italian seasoning typically includes a blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
Are these olives very spicy?
They have a mild hint of heat from the red chili pepper, but you can control the spiciness by using the pepper whole or crushing it.
Can I omit the red chili pepper?
Yes, if you prefer a snack without heat, you can completely omit the red chili pepper from the recipe.
How long should the olives marinate before eating?
While they can be eaten after a few hours, for the best results and melded flavors, let them sit for up to 24 hours.
Do I need to refrigerate the olives while they marinate?
For the best flavor development and food safety, it is recommended to refrigerate the olives during the 24-hour marinating process.
Can I eat the olives immediately after making them?
You can, but the garlic and herb flavors will not have fully infused into the olives yet.
What kind of container is best for storing these olives?
A clean glass jar, such as a mason jar or a repurposed pickle jar, is ideal for storing and marinating the olives.
How long do these marinated olives last?
When kept in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and submerged in oil, they typically stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.
Can I reuse the olive oil after the olives are gone?
Yes, the leftover oil is infused with garlic and herbs, making it perfect for salad dressings or dipping bread.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients like olives, garlic, oil, and herbs.
Are Mediterranean Garlic-Infused Olives gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What are some serving suggestions for these olives?
They are perfect for charcuterie boards, as a party appetizer, or as a flavorful addition to fresh salads.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Yes, fresh rosemary or thyme can be added, though dried herbs often provide a more concentrated flavor for long marinades.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe generally makes one jar of olives, which serves as a snack or appetizer for several people.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, olives provide healthy monounsaturated fats and garlic offers various health benefits, making this a nutritious snack.
Why do I need to shake the jar?
Shaking the jar gently helps distribute the Italian seasoning and chili pepper evenly through the oil and around the olives.
Can I add lemon to the marinade?
Yes, adding a strip of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice can add a bright, citrusy note to the Mediterranean flavors.
Do I need to cook anything for this recipe?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves simple assembly and marinating.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
It is not recommended for this specific recipe because the goal is to stuff whole or halved cloves inside the olives.
What should I do if the oil solidifies in the fridge?
Olive oil naturally thickens or solidifies when cold. Simply let the jar sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use this for a gift?
Yes, these olives in a decorative mason jar make an excellent homemade gift for food lovers.
Can I use different types of chili?
Yes, you can substitute the red chili pepper with red pepper flakes if you prefer.
Do the olives need to be pitted?
Yes, the olives must be pitted so that you have a cavity to stuff the garlic cloves into.