Ina Garten Warm Olives Recipe
The Ina Garten Warm Olives Recipe is a simple yet elegant appetizer that feels special every time. It is warm, fragrant and full of rich Mediterranean flavor. This dish is perfect for dinner parties, holidays or casual gatherings. You only need a few ingredients, but the result feels restaurant quality.
Ingredients
- Mixed olives pitted or unpitted
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Orange peel or lemon peel
- Fresh rosemary
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Optional bay leaf
Instructions
Prepare the Olives
- Drain the olives well and place them in a bowl. Remove excess brine for better flavor balance.
Heat Olive Oil
- Pour olive oil into a saucepan. Warm it gently over low heat without letting it smoke.
Add Garlic
- Add sliced garlic to the warm oil. Cook slowly until fragrant, not browned.
Add Citrus Peel
- Add strips of orange or lemon peel. This adds fresh aroma and light sweetness.
Add Herbs
- Place fresh rosemary and bay leaf into the oil. Stir gently to release flavors.
Add Olives
- Add the olives to the pan. Stir carefully so they coat with flavored oil.
Season Lightly
- Add black pepper and red pepper flakes. Keep seasoning light because olives are salty.
Warm Slowly
- Heat everything on low for ten minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste one olive and adjust pepper or citrus if needed.
Serve Warm
- Transfer warm olives to a serving bowl. Spoon some flavored oil on top.
Notes
- Use a mix of green and black olives for better flavor contrast.
- Do not boil the olives. Gentle heat keeps them tender and juicy.
- Add fennel seeds for a deeper Mediterranean taste.
- Use thyme instead of rosemary for a softer herbal note.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Serve immediately for best aroma and flavor.