Smoked Olives

Made by Lady Dianora

 

1 pound mixed black, purple, and green olives

a few drops smoke flavoring

2 cloves garlic, peeled

a couple teaspoons dried thyme or zataar herb (or can add Greek Oregano, I just use thyme)

1/4 cup shelled walnuts

1/4 cup white sesame seeds

2 teaspoons light sesame oil

1/2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds

  1. Drain olives well.

  2. Add a few drops of smoke flavoring to the drained olives. Be sure to mix very very well.

  3. Crush garlic cloves.

  4. Add thyme to garlic and crush further.

  5. Add garlic and thyme to olives. Blend well.

  6. Crush walnuts medium-fine in a mortar with a pestle. Add to olives and mix well.

  7. Toast sesame seeds in a frying pan with NO oil, over medium to medium-low heat, stirring very very frequently, until toasted fairly evenly to a rich gold. Add to olives and mix well.

  8. Put 2 tsp. sesame oil in frying pan, add whole cumin seeds, and cook on medium to medium-low heat until cumin darkens slightly and aroma comes out. Be careful not to burn. Stir into olives.

  9. Taste and adjust seasonings.

  10. Best if olives season for several days well covered in a cool place, stirring once a day to distribute flavorings.