Provencal Olives

Sharon123's Note:

A hint of orange, the robustness of garlic and rosemary, and the sweetness of fennel and balsamic vinegar mingle together to evoke the flavors we associate with the South of France. Marinating the olives for several days before serving will allow all of the seasonings, especially the more subtle ones, to penetrate more deeply. Enjoy! From the Moosewood Restaurant's New Classics Cookbook!

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 cup sauce

• 1 cup assorted olives in brine
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves , peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon cracked peppercorn
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange rind

Directions:

1. Place the olives in a heat proof bowl.
2. In a small heavy iron skillet (or other heavy skillet), toast the fennel seeds on low heat just until golden and aromatic.
3. Set them aside to cool.
4. In a small nonreactive saucepan, bring the vinegar, oil, garlic, rosemary, peppercorns, and orange peel to a simmer.
5. Crush or coarsely grind the fennel seeds and add them to the marinade.
6. Simmer for at least 5 minutes and then pour over the olives.
7. Cool, and cover and refrigerate.
8. Allow the olives to marinate at least 24 hours and up to one week before serving.
9. Serve at room temperature.
10. Enjoy!

Reviews

[*Parsley*]

Absolutely wonderful! I love olives to begin with, but this marinade takes the flavor over the top. Plus the smell of toasted fennel seeds made my kitchen smell terrfific. It was hard to wait 24 hours, but it was well worth it. Next time I will double the recipe. Thanx!

[CHILI SPICE]

Big Winner here! I marinated colossal pitted black olives for my DH's 40th birthday party (thinking I would stuff them later with cool garnishes-no need). One thing my DH does not like is olives (yes, I know it was his b-day) and he actually tried some and really enjoyed them! Our guests ate them all up in no time flat. Next time I will need to make a bigger... no, BIG batch. Thank you for converting a olive "hater" Sharon!!!!

[cookiedog]

These are so good! I made them to bring to our family cabin tomorrow to share with family. My problem now is I'm afraid I won't have any left since I find myself creeping into the fridge every 10 minutes. I used Manzanilla and black olives because it is what I have on hand. It even gave the black olives wonderful flavor. I especially love the orange rind, rosemary and Balsamic in these! MErci Sharon. Made for ZWT 5 by a fellow Epicurean Queen.