Pickled green olives

Recipe for Pickled Green Olives

Total preparation time: 48 hours (with 30 days of waiting)
Number of servings: approximately 10-12 servings

Pickled green olives are a classic delicacy, loved by many, bringing an intense flavor and Mediterranean aroma to every meal. This pickling process not only provides a delicious taste but also a healthy way to preserve olives for months. Additionally, green olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious snack or appetizer. So, let’s embark on this exciting cooking journey!

Necessary ingredients:

- 12 kg fresh green olives
- 2.5 kg lemons (preferably untreated)
- 300 g hot peppers (or to taste)
- Water (enough to cover the olives)
- Salt (approximately 100 g of salt per 1 liter of water)
- Olive oil (approximately 500 ml)

Step 1: Preparing the olives

1. First, wash the green olives thoroughly under cold running water to remove impurities. This is an essential step to get clean and tasty olives.

2. Crushing the olives - Using a hammer or a flat stone, gently crush each olive, being careful not to turn them into paste. This step helps release the flavor and juices from the olives.

3. Salting the olives - Sprinkle a bit of salt over the crushed olives to prevent slipping and to enhance the flavor.

4. Washing the olives - After crushing, rinse the olives in cold water to remove excess salt and bitterness. Now we are ready to pickle them!

5. Soaking the olives - Place the olives in a large container and cover them with fresh water. Let them soak for 48 hours, changing the water twice a day (morning and evening). This step will help remove the characteristic bitterness.

Step 2: Preparing the ingredients for pickling

1. Preparing the lemons - Wash the lemons well under running water. Cut them in half and then each half into slices. These will add a fresh and tangy note to the pickles.

2. Preparing the hot pepper - Wash the hot pepper and cut it into thin slices. If you prefer a milder taste, you can remove the seeds before cutting.

Step 3: Filling the jars

1. Mixing the ingredients - In a large bowl, combine the olives, lemon slices, and hot pepper slices. Gently mix to evenly distribute the flavors.

2. Filling the jars - Prepare sterilized jars, filling them with the mixture of olives, lemon, and pepper. Leave about 6-7 cm of space at the top.

3. Adding lemon juice - Strain the juice obtained from the remaining lemons and pour it evenly into each jar.

Step 4: Preparing the brine

1. Preparing the brine - Mix 100 g of salt with 1 liter of water until the salt is completely dissolved. Pour the brine over the olives, ensuring they are fully covered.

2. Adding olive oil - Add a layer of approximately 3 cm of olive oil on top of the brine. The oil not only protects the olives from oxidation but also adds extra flavor.

Step 5: Fermentation

1. Sealing the jars - Seal the jars tightly. It is important that they are well sealed to prevent air from entering.

2. Storing the jars - Place the jars in a dark and cool place, such as a pantry or cupboard. This environment will help with the even fermentation of the olives.

3. Monitoring the fermentation - The next day, check the jars for any signs of fermentation. It is normal for bubbles to form or for a slight sour smell to be noticed.

Step 6: Waiting and tasting

1. Waiting period - Let the olives ferment for about 30 days. This waiting time allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

2. Final taste - After 30 days, the olives are ready to be consumed. You can enjoy them plain as an appetizer, or add them to salads, pasta, or pizza.

Useful tips:

- If you use olives of different colors (green and black), the pickling time may vary.
- You can experiment with different spices, such as garlic or herbs, to customize the flavor of the olives.
- Ensure that the jars are completely sterilized to prevent contamination.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Green olives are an excellent source of healthy fats, vitamins (especially vitamin E), and minerals (such as iron and calcium). A serving of 100 g of green olives contains approximately 145 calories, making them a good choice for a healthy snack.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Why do I need to change the water for the olives?
Changing the water helps reduce bitterness and remove compounds that could affect the taste.

2. Can I use other types of olives?
Certainly! Black olives or even Kalamata olives can be used in this process, but the pickling time may vary.

3. How long can pickled olives be stored?
If stored properly, pickled olives can be consumed for several months, even up to a year.

This recipe for pickled green olives is not only a way to preserve olives but also a pleasant activity that can be shared with friends and family. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and enjoy the authentic taste of pickled olives!