Rosemary Marinated Olives
The flavour of olives is greatly enhanced by marinating them in fruity olive oil with fresh herbs and citrus juices. When served with colourful chunks of red and yellow bell peppers and little cherry tomatoes, they look and taste fabulous. For the best flavour, allow about 2 days of marinating.
1 1⁄2 cups (375 mL) pitted olives, preferably a mixture of black and green
2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
1 thin-skinned orange, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into small chunks
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 fresh green chili pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into small chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into small chunks
1⁄2 cup (125 mL) halved cherry tomatoes
• Olives are highly valued for their oil content, which is mostly the healthier monounsaturated type. Green olives provide more vitamin A than black olives.
• Extra-virgin olive oil is the premium of all the olive oils. It has a low level of acidity and a wonderful aroma and flavour. As it is produced with minimal heat and refining processes, it retains more of its essential fatty acids and phytochemicals.
• The name rosemary comes from the Latin and means “sea dew.” This strong, pungent herb was often found growing on the coast. In Roman times it was used mainly as a medicinal herb, to soothe the digestive system.
- Place the olives in a large bowl and add the olive oil, lemon juice, chunks of orange, rosemary sprigs and chili pepper. Stir together, then cover. Place in the refrigerator.
- For the next 2 days, every 12 hours or so, take the olive mixture from the fridge, uncover and stir. Cover again and return to the fridge to continue marinating.
- When ready to eat, combine the marinated olives with the red and yellow bell peppers and tomatoes, and stir well.
Preparation time 10 minutes
Marinating time 2 days
Serves 8
Each serving provides: calories 81, calories from fat 54, fat 6 g, saturated fat 1 g, cholesterol 0 mg, carbohydrate 7 g, fibre 2 g, sugars 3 g, protein 1 g.
Choices per serving: Fat 1, Extra 1
