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Hi Norma - I know that fresh, untreated olives are VERY bitter, so the curing process your manufacturer used must not have treated it in the best method. I have had the most wonderful oil-cured olives before - from the Italian deli, not from a supermarket shelf, though. These taste like heaven - rich, meaty, winey.
You could try and salvage your olives by marinating them in a traditional way (test out a small quantity first so you don't waste too many of the other ingredients). Here are some recipes from a Mediterranean cookbook I have (not necessarily meant for oil-cured olives, either. Substitute ingredients freely) Suggests soaking in water overnight, if desired - you might try that!:
Sicilian Olives 1 lb. olives 3-4 cloves garlic, cut into slivers 2 TBL dried oregano 1 tsp. red pepper flakes olive oil
Greek Olives 1 lb. olives (usually Kalamata) 4 TBL dried oregano 1 TBL dried rosemary 1 TBL dried thyme 2 strips of orange zest, each aobut 2 In. long and 1/4 in. wide olive oil
Moroccan Olives 1 lb. olives 6 TBL chopped fresh Italian parsley 6 TBL chopped fresh cilantro 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp. red pepper flakes or 2 fresh chili peppers, slivered 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 cup olive oil 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice, a few strips lemon or orange zest or some juice from 1/2 preserved lemon
Combine all the ingredients and cover with enough olive oil to cover or coat. Place in a clean jar and refrigerate for at least 2 days.
Hope this helps!
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