Having lived in the south of France for several years, one of my greatest joys was strolling along the streets of the Vieux Nice (Nice’s “old town”), and making a pit stop at the open-air Market. The endless varieties of cheeses, fresh fruits, vegetables, socca, and especially the plethora of marinated olives offered there were simply irresistible!
Olives can be found in Japan, however are sold in smaller quantities, and with very little variety. So, I decided to make my own marinated olives to accompany some homemade crusty bread, that’s perfect to nibble on while watching a fantastic TV series about France! It may not be about Nice, but anything French-related warms my soul!
Serves 2-3
INGREDIENTS:
350 gms green olives (with pit)
Zest of one lemon
80 ml extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
3-4 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp dried chili pepper
150 gms feta cheese (crumbled)
Smash the olives gently with the bottom of a heavy glass or cup. Mix the zest of the lemon in a heat-proof bowl with the smashed olives and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a small pan and add smashed garlic cloves to the oil over low-medium heat, allowing the garlic to turn golden and reduce the heat. Add the dried thyme and chili pepper flakes and cook over lowest heat for around 10-15 mins until fragrant. Pour the garlic-herb oil over the olives, mix with a wooden spoon and wait until oil cools down completely. Add feta cheese to the bottom of a shallow bowl and add olives and oil marinade on top, and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to 2 days for a deeper flavor. Serve with crusty bread, and sop up that delicious olive oil!
Bon Appétit! En Guete! Buon Appetito! Guten Appetit! Itadakimasu! 💖Pia
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