Garlic-marinated Black olives

Attesting to the simplicity of tapas, a handful of marinated olives is often ample accompaniment to a glass of chilled sherry in most Spanish tapas bars.

Marinated to piquant perfection, these olives are far from ordinary. To fully develop the flavor of garlic in the recipe, it is best to allow the olives to marinate for at least several days before serving.

• Makes 8 oz
• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation time: 10 minutes and 2-3 days marinating time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 oz) black olives
• 2 dried red chiles
• 12 cloves garlic, minced
• Red vinegar, as required
• Dash of lemon juice

Preparation

Lightly crush the olives, without breaking them, and pour into a glass jar with a lid, discarding any oil produced. Add the dried chiles and garlic, lightly shaking the jar to ensure equal distribution. Pour in enough red wine vinegar so that the jar's contents are entirely submerged.

Add a dash of lemon juice, seal the jar, and store at room temperature for several days, shaking the jar occasionally.

Serve the marinated olives with a glass of sherry.

See also...

The best tapas recipes at Easy-tapas-recipes.com!

Tapas are Spain's greatest food invention. "Eat when you drink, drink when you eat" is the philosophy. Spanish men traditionally drink outside the home and rarely alone. They are not meant to be a meal (although a ración is a substantial portion). One tapa per person and a different one with each drink is the idea, then everyone enjoys tasting and sharing.