What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of green olives
- 1 cup of coarse salt
- 2 lemons
- 4 cloves of garlic
- A bunch of fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
Step 1: Prepare the Olives
Start by washing the olives thoroughly and removing any stems or leaves. Carefully make a lengthwise slit on each olive using a sharp knife.
Step 2: Salt Cure the Olives
Place the olives in a sterilized glass jar or container and sprinkle them with coarse salt. Give them a good shake or stir to ensure the salt coats the olives evenly. Seal the jar and let it sit for two to three days.
Step 3: Rinse and De-Bitter the Olives
After the curing process, rinse the olives well to remove excess salt. Then, submerge them in a bowl of fresh water and leave them to soak for about 24 hours. Change the water every six hours or so to remove the bitterness of the olives.
Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning
Slice the lemons into thin rounds and peel the garlic cloves. Chop the fresh herbs finely and mix them together in a bowl.
Step 5: Crush the Olives
Drain the olives well and pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Place the olives in a food processor or mortar and gradually crush them until you achieve a coarse texture. If using a food processor, pulse a few times to avoid overprocessing.
Step 6: Season the Olives
Add the lemon slices, garlic cloves, and herb mixture to the crushed olives. Gently combine all the ingredients until well mixed.
Step 7: Store and Marinate
Transfer the seasoned olives back into the sterilized jar or container. Make sure to press them down firmly to eliminate any air pockets. Drizzle olive oil over the top until it covers the olives completely. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for at least a week to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Your homemade crushed green olives are now ready to be savored! Serve them as an appetizer alongside crusty bread, in salads, or as a flavorful addition in pasta dishes. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a month.
There you have it – an authentic Calabrese recipe for making delicious crushed green olives. Take a taste trip to Italy with each bite and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!