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.
Printable Recipe
Marinated Olives with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Fennel
Ingredients
- 6 ounces 1 ½ cups green olives (with or without pits)
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- â…“ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil oil rinsed off
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- ½ 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.
Pretend Chef
I love marinated olives and these look so yummy. I think these would be perfect for a Valentine's Day spread.
Sippity Sup
I am always marinating olives for a party. Sometimes I'll marinate mozzarella in the same "sauce" GREG
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow
Yum! Those look so delicious!
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE
What a great little pre-dinner snack for V Day! I love olives in any recipe.
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!
Kalyn
Sounds really delicious to me! Love the idea of fennel with olives.
MarmandeintheKitchen
I love the combination of fennel and olives - looks great!
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 😉 This a beautiful savory for Valentine's Day! xo
Sara
This is a great idea. Imagine the flavor possibilities!
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!