Make your own gourmet olivesΛΥΚΟΥΡΓΟΣ ΖΕΡΒΑΚΟΣ2024-04-12T19:21:21+02:00

Refine pickled olives

If you like something exclusive, you can easily transform purchased olives into excellent gourmet olives. Depending on your preference, you can experiment with green or dark olives and try out different spice and herb mixtures.

To do this you need a jar of olives

1-2 garlic cloves cut into slices
If you like, 2 chili peppers cut into small pieces
1 lemon or orange with peel, cut into narrow slices and divided
Peppercorns
1-2 tablespoons (fresh if possible, but dry ones also work) chopped herbs
Sun-dried tomatoes
4 tablespoons of good wine vinegar, possibly more
2dl extra virgin olive oil, possibly more

Herbs and Spices

This is where your willingness to experiment is required!

There are no limits to your imagination and possibilities.

Just try out different variations. Alone or mixed. Anyone who has the choice is spoiled for…

Rosemary
Thyme
Coriander
Basil
Mint
Fennel herb
Fennel seeds roasted and ground
Dill
Sumac
Pul Biber (red chopped chili from Turkey, be careful spicy!)
Mustard seeds
Caraway seeds

First whisk the oil and vinegar well, add the herbs and then the other ingredients. Mix everything well and let it steep for half an hour. Then put the olives in a jar and add the seasoned oil. If necessary, top up with a little oil so that they are well covered. Let it steep in this delicious marinade for at least four days, mixing well once a day.

The longer the olives are in this marinade, the more aromatic and tasty they become and can be stored like this for months. Always make sure that they are well covered with oil, if necessary simply add olive oil and mix well again. Store in a cool, dark place so that the flavors can develop well. It’s best not to refrigerate, otherwise the oil will become thick.