Olives with Orange and Fennel
Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon
We serve these warm olives–a specialty of Sunset Test Kitchen recipe retester Paula Freschet–throughout the holiday season. Warming the olives makes them especially tender and succulent. Bonus: They make an excellent gift (let cool completely, then pack into airtight jars).
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Use a vegetable peeler to peel a 2 1/2-in. by 1-in. strip of zest from orange; save fruit for another use. Cut zest strip crosswise into very fine (1/16 in.) slivers; set aside.
Step 2
2
Heat oil and garlic in a 10-in. frying pan over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add olives, orange zest, thyme, chile flakes, and fennel seeds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warm, about 2 minutes.
Step 3
3
Remove from heat, stir in vinegar, and transfer to a small serving bowl. Serve warm.
Step 4
4
Make ahead: Up to 2 weeks, chilled. Rewarm to serve.
Ingredients
1 small orange
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 1/2 cups assorted brine-cured unpitted olives, such as Niçoise, Picholine, Kalamata, and Castelvetrano, drained
Leaves and tender stems from 5 to 6 thyme sprigs
1/8 teaspoon red chile flakes
3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
Directions
Step 1
1
Use a vegetable peeler to peel a 2 1/2-in. by 1-in. strip of zest from orange; save fruit for another use. Cut zest strip crosswise into very fine (1/16 in.) slivers; set aside.
Step 2
2
Heat oil and garlic in a 10-in. frying pan over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add olives, orange zest, thyme, chile flakes, and fennel seeds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warm, about 2 minutes.
Step 3
3
Remove from heat, stir in vinegar, and transfer to a small serving bowl. Serve warm.
Step 4
4
Make ahead: Up to 2 weeks, chilled. Rewarm to serve.
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