Smoky Marinated Olives

For me, summer means minimal cooking and lots of picky bits. These smoky marinated olives fit the bill perfectly. They’re so easy to make and they can be prepped well in advance. In fact, the longer the olives sit in the marinade, the more flavourful they’ll be.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• What Makes These Marinated Olives Smoky?
• Let’s Talk (Cheat’s) Labneh
• Za’atar: The Spice Blend That Elevates Everything
• Delicious Middle Eastern Flavours
• Sourcing Specialty Ingredients
• Storage

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s dive into what makes these smoky marinated olives so special, starting with a breakdown of the ingredients.

• Greek Yoghurt: Forms the base of the cheat’s labneh, a creamy and tangy spread that pairs beautifully with the marinated olives.
• Salt: Essential for the labneh, helping to thicken the yoghurt and enhance its flavour.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used for marinating the olives, adding richness and a smooth texture. I recommend using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
• Pul Biber (Aleppo Pepper): Adds a mild, fruity heat to the marinade, giving the olives a distinctive smoky kick.
• Za’atar: A Middle Eastern spice blend that adds earthy and tangy notes to the marinade.
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy aroma and flavour, balancing the richness of the extra-virgin olive oil.
• Garlic: Adds an umami, savoury depth to the marinade.
• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the marinade, brightening up the overall flavour.
• Nocellara Olives: Known for their buttery texture and vibrant green colour, they absorb the marinade beautifully, becoming more and more flavourful over time.

What Makes These Marinated Olives Smoky?

The key ingredient in these smoky marinated olives is aleppo pepper, also known as pul biber. Originating from the Aleppo region of Syria, it’s known for its moderate heat level, smoky notes, fruity undertones and vibrant red colour. Unlike regular chilli flakes, Aleppo pepper has a more complex flavour profile, which is often described as slightly tangy with a hint of cumin-like earthiness. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cooking and can be used in a variety of dishes, from marinades to stews to salads. If you can’t find Aleppo pepper, a good substitute is a mix of half the amount of regular chilli flakes and a pinch of smoked paprika, which mimics its smoky characteristics.

Aleppo pepper’s moderate heat makes it a versatile addition to dishes without overwhelming the palate. It offers a perfect balance for those who enjoy a bit of spice but not too much. Its unique flavour enhances the marinade, making the olives irresistibly moreish and delicious.

Let’s Talk (Cheat’s) Labneh

Labneh is a soft cheese made from strained yoghurt. It’s incredibly versatile and can be flavoured with herbs, spices, or even sweetened for a different twist. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour make it a delightful addition to any mezze platter or as a spread on toast.

In this recipe, we’re using a quick method to make a cheat’s version:

• Preparation: Line a sieve with a clean cloth or tea towel and set it over a mixing bowl.
• Mixing: Combine the Greek yoghurt and salt, then transfer the mixture to the cloth.
• Straining: Give the mixture a good squeeze and top it with something heavy to help the liquid drain.
• Waiting: Let it rest in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the desired labneh thickness.

The result is a thick, creamy spread that pairs perfectly with the spicy marinated olives. It also works with lots of other things, including these recipes, which I highly recommend giving a go:

• Smoky Butter Broccoli: Tenderstem broccoli is an elite vegetable and this is one of my favourite ways to zhuzh it up. Served over a garlicky labneh and topped with the most delicious, smoky butter sauce, it makes for a stunning veggie centrepiece.
• Sticky Za’atar Carrots with Spicy Dukkah and Labneh: This stunning veggie centrepiece looks impressive but it’s actually so easy to make. The honey and za’atar glazed carrots are sticky and delicious. The spicy dukkah adds heat and crunch. And the thick, creamy labneh brings it all together.
• Marinated Olives with Cheat’s Labneh: Yes, another marinated olive recipe! This one is super herby and garlicky, perfect for summertime picky bits.

Za’atar: The Spice Blend That Elevates Everything

Za’atar is another star ingredient in this recipe. This Middle Eastern spice blend typically contains dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac and sesame seeds. The flavour is earthy, tangy and nutty, making it incredibly versatile. Za’atar adds a unique depth of flavour to the marinade, complementing the Aleppo pepper and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It’s widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine, sprinkled on flatbreads, mixed with olive oil for a dipping sauc or used as a seasoning for meats and vegetables. If you haven’t tried za’atar before, this recipe is a great introduction to its delightful flavours.

Za’atar’s combination of herbs and sesame seeds provides a wonderful crunch and aromatic lift to the olives. The sumac in za’atar adds a tangy note, balancing the richness of the extra-olive oil and the spiciness of the Aleppo pepper. It’s a spice blend that not only enhances the flavour but also brings a touch of Middle Eastern tradition to the dish.

Delicious Middle Eastern Flavours

This dish draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine, where marinated olives and labneh are common staples. The use of Aleppo pepper and za’atar highlights the region’s love for bold, aromatic spices. Combining these elements creates a dish that is both flavourful and culturally rich, perfect for summer gatherings or as part of a mezze platter.

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its use of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a variety of spices that create complex and satisfying flavours. This recipe encapsulates that essence, offering a taste of the Middle East that is both authentic and approachable. The tanginess of the labneh, combined with the spice of Aleppo pepper and the earthy notes of za’atar, results in a harmonious blend of flavours that are sure to impress.

Sourcing Specialty Ingredients

• Pul Biber (Aleppo Pepper): Can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores, specialty spice shops or online. If unavailable, substitute with chilli flakes and smoked paprika.
• Za’atar: Available at Middle Eastern grocery stores, some supermarkets or online.
• Nocellara Olives: Often found in the deli section of supermarkets, gourmet stores, or online.

Storage

The marinated olives will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week (without the labneh). Enjoy making these Aleppo pepper marinated olives and the creamy labneh for a perfect summer treat!