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–+ servings

Epityrum Olive Relish Recipe

This quick olive relish, known as epityrum, blends brined olives with fresh herbs and spices for a vibrant Mediterranean appetizer.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Condiment, Snack
Cuisine Ancient Roman, Mediterranean
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife or food processor (for chopping/mashing olives)

Ingredients
  

Basic Version:

  • 1½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh fennel leaf
  • 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 teaspoons chopped rue fresh or dried (see Note below)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 cups pitted, brined green and black olives (e.g., Cretan green or Kalamata)
  • Mild goat cheese and bread for serving, optional

Variation (Rue-Free):

  • Substitute rue with 2 teaspoons fresh chopped tarragon

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine cilantro, fennel, mint, rue (or tarragon), and cumin.
  • Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil over the herbs and stir to mix well.
  • Rinse the brined olives briefly in cool water, then pat dry thoroughly.
  • Chop olives finely for a chunky relish or mash for a spreadable tapenade texture.
  • Stir olives into the herb mixture until well blended.
  • Cover and let the relish marinate overnight for best flavor, though it can be served after resting briefly.
  • Serve with mild goat cheese and slices of bread, drizzled with extra olive oil if desired.

Notes

Rue Warning: Rue can be unsafe for pregnant individuals. If unsure, replace with fresh tarragon or omit entirely.
Serving Tip: Great as a topping for crostini, as a sandwich spread, or mixed into grain bowls.
Storage: Keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Keyword ancient Roman olive tapenade, easy olive and herb dip, green and black olive relish, herb olive spread for bread, homemade olive tapenade with fresh herbs, Mediterranean olive relish recipe, quick olive appetizer ideas, Roman cuisine recipes
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