Cook The Book: Roasted Olives

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 450&deg F.

2. 2

   Rub the bell pepper with the tablespoon of olive oil. Lay the pepper on a baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the side of the pepper resting on the baking sheet is wrinkled and almost black. Turn the pepper over and continue roasting for 7 to 8 minutes longer, or until the pepper is nicely charred on all sides.

3. 3

   Transfer the pepper to a small bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the pepper steam as it cools in the bowl for about 10 minutes. Remove from the bowl, rub off the charred skin, open the pepper, and scrape out the seeds and membranes. Cut the pepper into very thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick).

4. 4

   Reduce the oven heat to 425&deg F.

5. 5

   In a large mixing bowl, mix together the olives, julienned red pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Toss well. Add the red wine vinegar and sherry vinegar to the olives and stir to distribute evenly.

6. 6

   Spread the olives on a jelly roll or shallow roasting pan. Roast for about 35 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the olives are tender. To test for doneness, taste an olive to see if the meat separates easily from the pit. If so, the olives are done.

7. 7

   Let the olives cool in the pan. When cool, drizzle with the extra-virgin olive oil and stir to mix. Serve right away or refrigerate in a container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days.

8. 8

   Remove the olives from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before serving to let them reach room temperature. Stir well before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.