Enjoy the taste of Mediterranean cuisine with homemade Greek-style olives. This simple, traditional recipe lets you cure your own olives at home with basic ingredients. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and healthy snack!
Ingredients
- Ripe black olives (at least 1 quart)
- 2 1/4 cups pickling salt
- 2 gallons water
Equipment
You’ll need an airtight container made of plastic or glass to cure your olives. A large mason jar, food-grade bucket, or similar container will work well for this process.
Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Olives
Start by selecting ripe black olives that are fully colored, ranging from dark red to black. For the best results, choose olives of similar size to ensure even curing. Discard any bruised or scarred olives.
Step 2: Making the First Brine
Mix 3/4 cups of pickling salt with a gallon of cool water to create a light brine solution. Stir thoroughly until the salt dissolves completely. Add the olives to your airtight container and pour in the brine, ensuring the olives are fully submerged. Prepare additional brine if necessary. Store the container in a cool, dark place at a temperature of 60-80°F for one week.
Step 3: Replacing the Brine
After a week, prepare a stronger brine solution by mixing 1 1/2 cups of pickling salt with a gallon of water. Drain the initial weaker brine and replace it with the stronger brine. Store the container in the same cool, dark place for another two months. Be sure to keep the olives fully submerged to avoid mold growth.
Step 4: Adjusting Flavor
If you prefer a milder flavor, replace the brine one more time after two months with another strong brine solution. Let the olives cure for an additional month. For a sharper, more bitter taste, you can skip this step and enjoy your olives after the initial two-month curing period.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips to ensure the best results:
- Use high-quality pickling salt to avoid impurities that could affect the curing process.
- Keep the olives completely submerged to prevent mold growth.
- Store the olives in a cool, stable environment to maintain consistent curing conditions.
Enjoy Your Homemade Olives
Once your olives are cured, they are ready to eat or use in a variety of dishes. Store them in the refrigerator for up to six months, ensuring they remain submerged in brine. Pair your Greek-style olives with cheese, crackers, or salads for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired snack.
Additional Notes
Homemade Greek-style olives are a perfect way to connect with traditional Mediterranean flavors. With patience and care, you’ll have a batch of flavorful, nutritious olives to enjoy and share.
