Sautéed Olives

A quick and straightforward sauce, topping, appetizer, or side dish with loads of flavor. Olives don’t need cooking, of course, but sautéing them with garlic and herbs adds layers of flavor that make them memorable.

Makes: 4 servings

Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 pound olives, preferably a combination of black and green, rinsed and pitted
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or marjoram or 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sauté the Olives: In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the smashed garlic and cook for about a minute to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
2. Add the olives and fresh herbs (rosemary, marjoram, or thyme) to the skillet. Stir occasionally and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the olives to absorb the flavors of the garlic and herbs.
3. Season and Serve: Sprinkle the sautéed olives with red wine vinegar and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Taste the olives and add salt if necessary, depending on the saltiness of the olives used.
5. Serve the Sautéed Olives hot, warm, or at room temperature, and enjoy their flavorful and aromatic goodness as a sauce, topping, appetizer, or side dish.

VARIATIONS:

• Sautéed Tomatoes with Olives: While sautéing the garlic, add 3 cups of chopped tomatoes to the skillet (canned is fine; remember to drain first).
• Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break up and the mixture thickens, which usually takes around 10 minutes.
• Add the remaining ingredients (olives, fresh herbs, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper) and cook for another few minutes.
• Enjoy the delectable blend of sautéed tomatoes and olives, bursting with flavor and textures.
• Sautéed Olives with Croutons: To the original recipe, add 2 cups of diced day-old bread and an additional tablespoon of olive oil.
• When adding the garlic, also add the diced bread to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until the bread browns and crisps, approximately 5 minutes.
• Savor the delightful combination of sautéed olives and crunchy croutons, offering a unique twist to this classic dish.

These Sautéed Olives variations allow you to explore different flavor profiles, making this simple dish versatile and open to creative interpretations. Whether you prefer the original recipe, the sautéed tomatoes twist, or the addition of crispy croutons, this quick and flavorful dish will undoubtedly impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Enjoy this delightful treat as a light meal or a delightful addition to your favorite dishes!