1 small orange
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
1 heaping cup (about 1/2 pound) mixed olives
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, julienned
Peel the orange zest using a vegetable peeler, removing as little of the white pith as possible. Slice the peel into thin strips. (Alternately, use a zester or stripper.)
Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the orange zest and smashed garlic clove. Once the oil is warm, 2 to 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let sit until it comes to room temperature. Remove the garlic and stir in the basil.
Add the olives to a pint-sized jar. Cover with the olive oil (leave the basil and orange in the oil). Refrigerate at least 24 hours. Bring to room temperature an hour before straining the oil and serving.
Recipe Note
- Don't forget to include a small bowl for the pits!