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Ina Garten's marinated olives are an effortlessly elegant appetizer, perfect for any holiday celebration. This simple recipe, inspired by her travels, combines large green and black olives with vibrant orange zest, aromatic garlic, fragrant fennel seeds, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Prepared in just 15 minutes, these savory bites are designed to be served warm, intensifying their rich flavors and enticing aromas, making them a surefire hit with guests. The convenience of preparing them in advance further enhances their appeal for seamless entertaining.

During the festive season, finding simple yet impressive recipes can be a challenge. Ina Garten's marinated olives provide an ideal solution, effortlessly blending gourmet taste with minimal preparation. This particular recipe originated from her curated Thanksgiving menu, shared by Williams Sonoma, where she emphasizes the importance of serving them warm to unlock their full aromatic potential. Garten recalls discovering a similar dish during a trip to Milan with her husband, Jeffrey, where they were captivated by the delicious roasted olives served at a local rotisserie shop. This culinary experience inspired her to recreate the magic, adapting it into a recipe that is both accessible and sophisticated.

The beauty of this appetizer lies in its straightforward ingredient list and preparation method. To create these delectable olives, you'll need large green olives with pits, large black olives with pits, the zest of one orange, several large garlic cloves, fennel seeds, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes. Essential pantry items such as olive oil, salt, and pepper complete the ensemble. These carefully selected ingredients come together to form a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes.

The preparation begins by draining the olives and then combining them with the vibrant orange zest, minced garlic, aromatic fennel seeds, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. A generous drizzle of olive oil is added, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, ensuring each olive is thoroughly coated. For an extra layer of flavor, a few sprigs of fresh thyme are often included in the mixture.

The next step involves gently heating the mixture over medium heat. It's crucial to sauté the olives for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the olive oil begins to sizzle and the olives become wonderfully fragrant and warm. Serving them directly from the pan is highly recommended, as Ina herself prefers this method to deliver the olives piping hot, maximizing their appeal. For those planning ahead, the mixture can be prepared up to a week in advance and refrigerated, ready to be sautéed just before serving, offering unparalleled convenience for holiday hosts.

These versatile marinated olives can be complemented by a variety of other appetizers to create a diverse spread. Consider pairing them with zesty roasted vegetables dressed in a lemon-garlic vinaigrette, savory spinach and feta puff pastry rolls, or smoky crispy chickpeas served over whipped feta. Ina Garten also enjoys serving them alongside simple fig toasts, a combination that truly elevates the holiday dining experience. These pairings enhance the overall flavor profile and provide a delightful array of textures for your guests.

Ultimately, Ina Garten's marinated olives stand out as a simple yet sophisticated offering for any celebratory occasion. Their minimal preparation time, coupled with rich and inviting flavors, makes them an indispensable addition to your holiday repertoire. They are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving a lasting impression on all who gather at your festive table.