Yesterday was full of fist-pumping Super Bowl action, not to mention helping upon helping of Chewy Nutella Oatmeal Bars, Spicy Black Bean Dip, and Braised Country-Style Pork Ribs. The most exercise I got was changing into my elasticized sweatpants.
Now, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I am looking for recipes that are a little more subtle and refined, such as these marinated olives…something I could feed to my sweet someone. Well, if he liked olives, that is. It kind of defeats the purpose of a Valentine’s recipe if I just sit at the kitchen counter, popping these into my own mouth. Back to the drawing board.
These marinated olives, lightly flavored with chile flakes and fennel seeds, take less than ten minutes to make and pair beautifully with a glass of wine. For this recipe, I used green olives canned in a light brine, but any olives (pitted or not) will work. If you prefer a slightly different flavor, try kalamata olives. This easy appetizer can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Be certain to bring them to room temperature before serving.
The recipe:
Place olives in a medium bowl.
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine cider vinegar, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, fennel seeds and chile flakes.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour over olives. Let marinate at room temperature for 2 hours.
Other marinated olive recipes:
Sippity Sup’s Marinated Mozzarella & Olives
Flavors of the Sun’s Marinated Moroccan Olives
Entertaining Made Easy’s Marinated Olives
Marinated Olives with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Fennel
Ingredients
- 6 ounces 1 1/2 cups green olives (with or without pits)
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil oil rinsed off
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
Instructions
- Place olives in a medium bowl.
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine cider vinegar, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, fennel seeds and chile flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour over olives. Let marinate at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Make ahead: The olives may be made up to 1 week ahead. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container. Before serving, bring to room temperature.
Nutrition
warmvanillasugar
Oooooo! I love marinated olives, and always buy them. I'm totally going to try this! I never thought of making it by myself before!
Sara
This is a great idea. Imagine the flavor possibilities!
marla
Loving the idea of olives paired with fennel and sun dried tomatoes. Not loving the idea of elasticized sweats, though I do live in them π This a beautiful savory for Valentine's Day! xo
MarmandeintheKitchen
I love the combination of fennel and olives – looks great!
Kalyn
Sounds really delicious to me! Love the idea of fennel with olives.
Rosemary
This is a nice twist on marinated olives . . something I can put into "need-something-quick-easy-unique-to-take-to-a-party." You are one creative cook!
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE
What a great little pre-dinner snack for V Day! I love olives in any recipe.
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow
Yum! Those look so delicious!
Sippity Sup
I am always marinating olives for a party. Sometimes I'll marinate mozzarella in the same "sauce" GREG
Pretend Chef
I love marinated olives and these look so yummy. I think these would be perfect for a Valentine's Day spread.
Lu
I enjoyed perusing your blog. Thanks for the great ideas.
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This is delicious. I love olives and sun-dried tomatoes and together it's a little bite of heaven! Great recipe.
alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
These look amazing. I love all of these flavors together
wenderly
I LOVE olives! These look so divine, although I don't know that I'd end up feeding any to my honey! Think I'd end up eating them all myself!
Pegasuslegend
one of my favorites with italian bread is a spicey olives pepperoni and a nice glass of cabernet, these wouldnt last long, oh and I dont think I would share! lol these look awesome~
Drick
I know I will like this, esp with a little heat…
Nancy
Everyone needs this in their recipe collection!! It's quick and delicious and beats the store bought varieties by a mile!!
I love finger foods for Valentine's – very romantic!!
Velva
Oh yes!!! These olives rock. A perfect appetizer or snack in the evening with a glass of wine.
Cookin' Canuck
Thanks so much for all of the your comments. I have been nibbling on these olives today and, let me tell you, they get even better over time.
SaraOneTribeGourmet
Dara, I love olives, especially warm in olive oil. Gosh you have given them so much extra added flavors! Yum! On our trip to Spain this past summer, I must have consumed tons of olives in every Tapas Bar! π
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
Fennel seeds are such a nice addition here, and in combination with the heat from the red chile flakes, it sounds pretty much perfect!
Emily Malloy
How lovely!
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You my friend are a genius! what a great way to pump up the taste of ah SO tasty olives! That sounds super easy n I'm sure is loaded with flavors. Must try!! BOOKMARKED!
Amanda
These rock! I have several pasta recipes that call for marinated olives π
Monet
I have never been a fan of olives, but my sweet husband ADORES them. I think that this might make a very lovely Valentine's Day gift. Thanks for always making me smile with your words, photos and recipes. I hope that your Wednesday is full of joy!
[email protected]
Flavored olives! How great is that Dara! Living in Middle East – Olives are big here and of course we get all types of flavored olives but nothing beats homemade ones π
The Food Hunter
I love marinating my own olives. I will try this recipe next time.
Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food
The bold flavor of Mediterranean dishes and indigenous ingredients always have such special appeal to me, and I just adore what you've done with this simple starter. I can very much picture myself horning in on your kitchen "taste testing" of this recipe. Olives and fennel paired with New World dried tomatoes and peppers sound absolutely sublime!
Fennel Friday
We love this recipe and we are adding it to our Fennel Friday Conga Line
Inspiration List at FennelFriday.com
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