What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment:
- 2 cups of fresh olives
- ¼ cup of coarse sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
- Airtight jar or container
Step 1: Preparing the Olives
Start by rinsing the olives thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Smashing the Olives
Using a flat-bottomed glass or a mortar and pestle, gently press down on each olive to flatten it. You’re aiming to crack the skin but not crush the olive entirely. This step helps the flavors penetrate the olives during the curing process.
Step 3: The Salt Cure
In a bowl, combine the smashed olives with the coarse sea salt. Toss them together until the olives are well-coated with salt.
Step 4: Flavor Infusion
Add the minced garlic and dried herbs to the salted olives, and mix well. The garlic and herbs will infuse the olives with their aromatic flavors.
Step 5: Storage
Transfer the seasoned olives into an airtight jar or container. Ensure that the olives are fully submerged in their juices and tightly sealed.
Step 6: Curing Time
Now comes the patience part! Place the jar in a cool and dark location, and let the olives cure for at least three weeks. The longer you allow them to cure, the more flavorful they will become.
Step 7: Enjoy!
After the curing period, your salt-cured smashed olives are ready to be enjoyed. You can use them as a standalone snack, incorporate them into salads or pasta dishes, or even spread them on a crusty piece of bread.
So why not try making your own salt-cured smashed olives? With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and unique olive treat that is sure to impress your taste buds!