warm marinated olives

original recipe

ingredients

• 2 cups large green olives with pits, such as Cerignola (11 ounces)
• 2 cups large black olives with pits, such as Kalamata (11 ounces)
• Zest of 1 orange, peeled in large strips
• 4 large garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 teaspoons whole fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• ³⁄₄ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ²⁄₃ cup good olive oil
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

instructions

• Drain the green and black olives from the brine or oil that they’re packed in and place them in a medium bowl. Add the orange zest, garlic, fennel seeds, thyme leaves, red pepper flakes, ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt, and ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper. Pour the olive oil over the mixture, add the thyme sprigs, and toss to combine.
• Transfer the mixture, including the olive oil, to a medium (10-inch) saute pan. Heat over medium heat until the oil begins to sizzle. Lower the heat and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the olives and garlic are heated through and fragrant. Serve warm right from the pan or transfer to a serving dish. Offer a small dish for the pits.