Marinated Moroccan Olives: Two Recipes to Transport You to Morocco

There’s something magical about olives. In many countries throughout North Africa they’re more than a simple pantry staple—they’re a way of life. Whether brined, spiced, or marinated, olives bring bold flavor and rich tradition to meal time.

Today, we’re diving into two simple and delicious ways to marinate olives, inspired by the olive souks in Morocco. These recipes are so simple and are perfect for a quick snack at home or easy bites while entertaining. 

The Role of Olives in Moroccan Cuisine and Culture

Olives have been a cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine for thousands of years. Morocco produces olives of beautiful quality thanks to the region’s soil and climate. As a result Morocco also produces some of the world’s finest olive oils.

In Morocco’s bustling olive souks, rows of vendors display mounds of marinated olives in every imaginable variety: green, black, spicy, lemon-infused, and herb-marinated. These souks are a feast for the senses, with their vibrant colors, fragrant aromas, and lively bargaining exchanges. Moroccan olives are not just a condiment—they’re a way of life.

Olives can be eaten at practically every meal (yes, including breakfast!) and are often used in the preparation of many traditional dishes.  You’ll find olives in Moroccan classics like chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives to lesser known dishes like tagine meslalla - a meat tagine smothered in marinated, cracked olives.  

Introducing Mina’s Collection of Moroccan Olives

We’re excited to share that with the addition of Mina brand olives to our collection, our olive souk is officially open!  We now have olives for every occasion and recipe.  Here’s a quick overview of the Moroccan olives we offer:

• Green Olives: Perfectly brined for a tangy bite.  Perfect for use in tagines and excellent for snacking.

• Pitted Green Olives: Convenient and ready to use in salads or dishes.

• Dried Black Olives: Salt cured with a rich and intense flavor. Great for marinating with herbs or perfect on their own right out of the jar.

• Beldi Purple Olives: With a beautiful purple hue, these buttery olives can be used to make Moroccan classic recipes like meat tagine with cardoons and assorted fish tagines..

• Spicy Green Olives: Marinated with a touch fiery harissa and ready to eat!

But, our collection of Mina products doesn’t stop at olives. We also stock their preserved lemons, olive oil, organic teas, Moroccan sardines, harissa and Moroccan capers - everything you need to recreate the flavors of Morocco at home.

Moroccan Marinated Olives Two Ways 

One of the joys of Moroccan cooking is taking simple, humble ingredients and transforming them into something spectacularly flavorful. Below are two marinated olive recipes inspired by the olive souks of Morocco that are perfect for your next gathering.

Moroccan Green Olives Marinated in Harissa and Spices

While these can be enjoyed right away, marinated olives get better with time so make them at least 4 hours in advance of serving. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar Mina Pitted Green Olives

• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced

• 1 tbsp Mina Harissa

• 2 tbsp Mina Single Origin Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• ¾ tsp ground cumin

• ¾ tsp ground paprika

• ½ of a small Mina preserved lemon, rinsed and chopped 

• 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix.
2. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.  Bring to room temperature before serving.
3. Mix in a drizzle of olive oil before serving to refresh them.

These spicy, flavorful olives are perfect served as part of a traditional Moroccan salad course, as an appetizer or a small bite during cocktail hour.

Moroccan Dried Black Olives With Olive Oil and Oregano

This simple recipe enhances the natural richness of dried black olives with a hint of oregano.  These can be served immediately but do get better with time.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar Mina Salt Cured Dried Black Olives

• 2 tbsp Mina Single Origin Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Salt cured olives will contain varying levels of salt.  Taste the olives!  If they’re too salty for your liking, soak them in water for an hour to reduce the saltiness.  Drain and pat dry.
2. Combine olives, olive oil and dried oregano in a bowl.  Mix to combine and enjoy! 

These aromatic olives can be enjoyed in salads, served on cheese or charcuterie boards, enjoyed on their own - and, so much more! 

Explore Authentic Moroccan Products at BSAHA

At bsaha, we strive to make Moroccan and North African cuisine accessible to all. Our selection includes not only Moroccan Olives but also essentials Moroccan spices, semolina, snacks, traditional cookware and so much more. Check out our collections to explore everything you need to bring Moroccan flavors into your home. 

Don't see what you're looking for in our shop?  Get in touch with us at info@bsahashop.com and let us know!