Olives, water, salt and garlic! With this method you always have your marinated olives at hand

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Instructions:

1. Rinse and Prepare the Olives:

If you’re using store-bought olives that are already brined or packed in oil, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any excess brine or oil. This will allow the olives to absorb the flavors of your homemade marinade more effectively.

2. Smash the Garlic:

Peel the garlic cloves and lightly smash them with the side of a knife. This helps release the garlic’s flavor and infuses the marinade more effectively.

3. Combine Water and Salt:

In a medium-sized bowl or jar, dissolve the salt in the water. Stir until the salt is fully dissolved, creating a basic brine solution.

4. Add the Olives and Garlic:

Place the rinsed olives and smashed garlic cloves into the jar or bowl with the salted water. Make sure the olives are fully submerged in the brine. If you like, this is the perfect time to add optional flavorings like rosemary, thyme, chili flakes, or even a strip of lemon peel for added zing.

5. Seal and Let It Sit:

Seal the jar or cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the olives sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. The garlic will begin infusing the olives with flavor, and the saltwater will help preserve and marinate them. After 24 hours, transfer the olives to the fridge for long-term storage.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

After the olives have been in the fridge for about 2-3 days, they’ll be ready to enjoy! The garlic will have infused the olives with a wonderful savory depth, and the saltwater brine will have added the perfect level of seasoning.

Why You’ll Love These Marinated Olives:

• Flavorful: The garlic infuses the olives with a savory richness, and the saltwater brine enhances their natural taste without overpowering them. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become!
• Simple and Convenient: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll always have marinated olives ready whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer.
• Customizable: Add extra herbs or spices to match your preferences. A few red pepper flakes will give your olives a spicy kick, or you can add some citrus peel for a fresh, zesty twist.
• Long-Lasting: Because you’re using a brine solution, your olives will stay fresh for a few weeks in the fridge, making them a great make-ahead snack. Just remember to keep them submerged in the brine!

Additional Tips:

• Experiment with Flavors: While garlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, feel free to play around with different flavorings to suit your taste. Try adding rosemary, oregano, thyme, or even bay leaves for extra depth.
• Add Olive Oil for Extra Richness: If you want your marinated olives to have a richer, more luxurious flavor, you can add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to the brine. This will create a more traditional marinade.
• Vary the Olive Types: You can use any type of olives you prefer—green, black, Kalamata, or a mix of them. Each variety will give your marinated olives a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts:

With this super simple technique, you’ll never run out of marinated olives again! Olives, water, salt, and garlic are all you need to create an incredibly flavorful, homemade marinated treat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next dinner party, snacking on them while watching a movie, or adding them to salads, pastas, or tapenade, these marinated olives will elevate your meals with minimal effort.

The best part? They’re always ready to go, so you can enjoy fresh, flavorful marinated olives any time the craving strikes. Try this method today and get ready to be hooked on these easy-to-make, tasty olives!