Zesty North African Marinated Olives
Experience the vibrant flavors of North Africa with these Zesty Marinated Olives. This delightful recipe combines whole cumin, cracked coriander, and the refreshing taste of mint with the citrusy brightness of lemon. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal, these olives offer a unique blend of spices that awaken your palate. Prep them a few days in advance to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Share them with friends for a taste of the exotic right from your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Cumin Seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
Cracked Coriander Seeds
1 tablespoon (cracked)
Red Pepper Flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh Mint
2 tablespoons (freshly chopped)
Lemon Zest
1 (zest of)
Lemon Juice
1 (juice of)
Black Peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon (whole)
East African Variety Olives
1 lb (none)
Instructions
1
In a glass jar, combine the whole cumin seeds, cracked coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, freshly chopped mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black peppercorns.
2
Add the East African variety olives to the jar and toss gently to ensure the olives are evenly coated with the marinade.
3
Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the olives to absorb the flavors. The longer they marinate, the more robust the flavors will become.
4
After 3 days, your marinated olives are ready to serve. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty North African Marinated Olives?
They are a vibrant appetizer featuring East African variety olives marinated with cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, fresh mint, and lemon.
What makes these olives 'North African' style?
The flavor profile relies on traditional regional spices like whole cumin and cracked coriander, paired with citrus and fresh mint.
Can I use a different type of olive for this recipe?
Yes, while East African variety olives are recommended, you can substitute them with other firm varieties like Kalamata or Castelvetrano.
How long do the olives need to marinate?
The olives should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe contains one tablespoon of red pepper flakes, which gives it a noticeable but manageable zesty heat.
How long can I store these marinated olives?
They can be safely stored in a tightly sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Are these North African olives vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients including the olives, spices, and herbs are 100 percent plant-based.
Can I use ground coriander instead of cracked seeds?
You can, but cracked coriander seeds provide a better texture and more intense bursts of flavor throughout the marinade.
Do I need to cook the marinade?
No cooking is required; the ingredients are combined raw to preserve the brightness of the mint and lemon.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended because the recipe also requires fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
What is the best way to crack coriander seeds?
You can use a mortar and pestle or gently press down on them with the flat side of a heavy chef's knife.
Can I eat the olives immediately after mixing?
You can, but they will taste like plain olives; the 3-day wait is essential for the spices to penetrate the fruit.
Are these olives gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this marinated olive recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Should I pit the olives before marinating?
It is a matter of preference, but whole olives with pits often maintain a better texture during long marination.
What should I serve with these olives?
They pair beautifully with warm pita bread, hummus, feta cheese, or as part of a larger Mediterranean mezze platter.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Absolutely, adding a few slivers of fresh garlic would complement the North African spice profile well.
Is the fresh mint necessary?
Fresh mint provides a cooling contrast to the red pepper flakes and is a key component of the 'zesty' flavor profile.
What kind of jar is best for marinating?
A non-reactive glass jar with a tight-sealing lid is the best choice to prevent off-flavors and keep the olives fresh.
Can I reuse the leftover marinade?
Yes, the leftover oil and spice mixture makes an excellent dressing for salads or a flavorful dip for crusty bread.
How many calories are in these olives?
While specific nutritional data isn't provided, olives are generally a healthy source of monounsaturated fats.
Can I freeze marinated olives?
Freezing is not recommended as it can make the olives mushy and degrade the texture of the fresh mint.
Should I toast the cumin seeds first?
Toasting them briefly in a dry pan until fragrant can enhance the earthy notes, though it is not strictly required.
Are these olives suitable for a Keto diet?
Yes, olives and spices are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making them perfect for Keto.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
You can use dried mint if fresh is unavailable, but reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How many servings does 1 lb of olives provide?
One pound of olives typically serves about 8 to 10 people as an appetizer or snack portion.
Do I need to add olive oil to the jar?
The recipe relies on the lemon juice and the olives' own moisture, but you can top it off with olive oil if you prefer them fully submerged.
Can I make this recipe less salty?
If your olives are very salty, rinse them in cold water and pat them dry before adding them to the marinade jar.
What is the texture of East African olives?
They are typically firm and meaty, which allows them to hold up well during the 3-day marinating process.
Is this a good recipe for food gifts?
Yes, these olives look beautiful in a jar and make a thoughtful homemade gift for fans of Mediterranean food.
Can I add other citrus like orange?
Yes, adding orange zest alongside the lemon can add another layer of North African-inspired sweetness and aroma.