When it comes to appetizers that are effortlessly simple and sophisticated, Warm Mixed Marinated Olives stand out as a timeless favourite. From the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, this dish offers a variety of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
In this post, we'll not only share a delicious Warm Mixed Marinated Olives recipe but also how you can incorporate these delicious delights into your very own dining experience.
Serving Warm Mixed Marinated Olives for a Special Occasion
Pairing with Wine:
Elevate your warm mixed marinated olives by pairing them with a carefully selected wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay complements the briny and herbal notes of the olives. For a red wine option, try a medium-bodied Merlot or a fruity Pinot Noir.
Create a Mediterranean Spread:
Turn your warm olives into the centerpiece of a Mediterranean-inspired spread. Include an array of cheeses such as feta, Manchego, and goat cheese. Add cured meats like prosciutto and salami. Enhance the experience with a variety of crackers and freshly baked crusty bread.
Incorporate Fresh Ingredients:
Take your warm mixed marinated olives to the next level by incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for an extra burst of color and flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top for a vibrant touch.
Add a Touch of Citrus Elegance:
Elevate the visual appeal by garnishing the olives with thin slices of lemon or orange. This not only adds a touch of citrus elegance but also complements the existing flavors, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.
Create a Cozy Ambiance:
Set the mood for your special occasion by creating a cozy ambiance. Dim the lights, light some candles, and play soft Mediterranean music in the background. This not only enhances the dining experience but also adds a touch of romance to the occasion.
Warm Mixed Marinated Olives
Ingredients for Warm Mixed Marinated Olives
250g Sicilian olives
375g green Spanish olives in brine, drained
350g Kalamata olives in brine, drained
4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
Rind of 1 lemon
2 tbsp. red pepper flakes
2 cups of extra virgin olive oil
Handful of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or oregano
1 tsp of sea salt
Method for Warm Mixed Marinated Olives
Drain as much of the brine from the Kalamata and Spanish olives. If your Sicilian olives come from the local deli, they will highly likely come in marinated oil. This is absolutely fine to add to the mixture and you do not want to throw this out. Oils like this contain so much flavour, so it will add even more flavour to the mix.
To a saucepan over medium to low heat, add all olives, sliced garlic, lemon rind, red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil to a medium saucepan. Use a spoon to mix and combine well. You do not want to boil the mixture, you want to heat the oil just enough so that all the flavours infuse together. This should take roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Carefully plate warm mixed marinated olives into serving bowls and serve alongside crackers, crusty ciabatta bread, and a variety of cured meats.
Alternatively, if you wish to make the mixture in advance heat them at a later stage. Store the olives with the oil in an airtight jar place them into the refrigerator and use when needed. They will last for a month stored in the refrigerator.
Buon Appetito!