Savory Moroccan-Style Garlic Olives
Elevate your appetizer game with these Savory Moroccan-Style Garlic Olives. This intriguing blend of flavors combines the briny goodness of green olives with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and fragrant thyme, all tied together with a touch of harissa for a subtle kick. Ideal as a standalone snack or as a vibrant addition to your charcuterie board, they get even better after a day or two of marinating. Allow these olives to soak in the spices and watch them transform into a delectable treat perfect for sharing at any gathering. With minimal preparatory time and a simple, yet flavorful marinade, they are a fantastic make-ahead option that stays fresh for up to a month.
4
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green olives in brine, lightly smashed
2 cups (Use Picholine or Cerignola varieties if possible.)
Garlic cloves
4 (Sliced.)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (Not prepared.)
Tomato paste
2 teaspoons (Not prepared.)
Water
1/3 cup (Not prepared.)
Harissa (North African spice paste)
2 teaspoons (Not prepared.)
Fresh thyme sprigs
3 (4-5 inches long.)
Lemon slices
2 (Thin.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the olives: place them in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then drain the olives. This step will help reduce the saltiness of the olives.
2
In a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute while continuously stirring to combine well with the garlic.
4
Gradually add in the water, harissa, and thyme sprigs to the skillet. Then, introduce the drained olives and stir to coat them evenly with the mixture.
5
Increase the heat and let the mixture simmer briskly for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened enough to coat the olives nicely.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and add in the lemon slices, gently stirring them through the olive mixture.
7
Transfer the olives to a shallow dish, ensuring the marinade is evenly distributed. Allow the dish to cool before covering and refrigerating it.
8
For best results, marinate the olives in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours before serving. The flavors will deepen and enhance over time. These marinated olives can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
550mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Moroccan-Style Garlic Olives?
They are a flavorful appetizer that combines briny green olives with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, fragrant thyme, and a hint of harissa spice.
What type of olives are best for this recipe?
Green olives in brine that are lightly smashed are best, specifically Picholine or Cerignola varieties.
How can I reduce the saltiness of the olives?
Place the olives in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, and then drain them to remove excess salt.
What oil should I use for the marinade?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and quality.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the sliced garlic for about 2 minutes until it is golden and fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a North African spice paste that provides a subtle spicy kick to the marinade.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of tomato paste.
How long do the olives need to simmer?
Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes until the liquid has thickened enough to coat the olives.
When should I add the lemon slices?
Remove the skillet from the heat first, then gently stir in the lemon slices.
How long should the olives marinate before serving?
For the best flavor development, marinate the olives in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
How long can I store these marinated olives?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Is this recipe suitable for a charcuterie board?
Yes, these olives make a vibrant and sophisticated addition to any charcuterie or appetizer spread.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely, this is a fantastic make-ahead option as the flavors improve after a day or two.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How much sodium is in this dish?
Each serving contains 550mg of sodium.
Are there many carbohydrates in these olives?
No, there are only 3.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is approximately 0.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 4 sliced garlic cloves.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme sprigs are recommended for fragrance, you can substitute with a smaller amount of dried thyme if necessary.
What is the purpose of adding water to the skillet?
The 1/3 cup of water helps create a sauce with the tomato paste and harissa to evenly coat the olives.
Should the olives be refrigerated immediately?
Allow the dish to cool completely before covering and placing it in the refrigerator.
Are these olives spicy?
They have a subtle kick due to the harissa, but the spice level is generally mild.
What size skillet should I use?
A 10-inch heavy skillet is ideal for even heating.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Can I use a different type of lemon?
The recipe calls for thin slices of fresh lemon, but preserved lemon could be used for a more intense flavor.
What happens if the garlic burns?
Burnt garlic becomes bitter; it is best to sauté it over medium heat and watch it closely to ensure it only turns golden.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The profile is savory, briny, and aromatic with a hint of citrus and spice.