Sarasa Olives: Spells from the South and The Cortijo Recipe

Marinated olives hold a very distinctive place amongst Spanish appetisers. Their flavour lends itself to many interpretations, as the result varies depending on the variety used, the intensity of the marinade and the ingredients served alongside the olives. Within this tradition, Sarasa offers products such as ‘Los Hechizos del Sur’ and ‘La Receta del Cortijo’, two varieties based on green olives that offer distinct flavour profiles.

At Your Spanish Shop, you can find both varieties in our olives and pickles section.

Seasoned olives with a distinct Mediterranean character

A good seasoned olive allows you to enjoy the fruit itself whilst also savouring the nuances added by the preparation. Split or crushed olives are particularly well-suited to this type of recipe because the seasoning blends completely into the olive.

This type of olive is a common feature in appetisers and informal meals. Simply serve them well-drained in a bowl to turn them into a simple accompaniment, although they can also be used to round off certain cold dishes or to prepare a selection of nibbles.

Sarasa offers two distinct variations. ‘Los Hechizos del Sur’ features split green olives accompanied by a spiced marinade, whilst ‘La Receta del Cortijo’ incorporates other vegetable ingredients that lend a different character.

Los Hechizos del Sur: spiced, halved green olives

Sarasa’s Los Hechizos del Sur are made from halved green olives. They are prepared using sunflower oil and a variety of spices, as well as the product’s own preservatives and seasonings.

The spices play a key role here. The result is ideal for those seeking seasoned olives with character and intensity. They work particularly well served on their own as a starter, accompanied by a cold drink, or as part of a casual meal.

They are also an interesting alternative for those accustomed to plain green olives who wish to introduce a slightly more sophisticated flavour without necessarily resorting to stuffed olives.

La Receta del Cortijo: the flavour of a more traditional marinade

La Receta del Cortijo offers a different alternative. The preparation combines green olives crushed with garlic and red pepper. The marinade also includes vinegar and spices, creating a recipe in which the vegetable ingredients form a visible part of the mixture.

This type of preparation is reminiscent of the homemade marinated olives traditionally made in many homes and catering establishments. The crushed olives easily absorb the surrounding flavours, whilst the garlic adds intensity and the pepper introduces another nuance to the overall flavour profile.

The presence of vinegar also defines its character. It adds that touch of acidity so typical of pickles and helps to create a flavour that works particularly well before a meal, when we’re looking for an appetiser to awaken the palate.

At Your Spanish Shop, you can find this product in two different sizes. The 750-gram pack is handy for regular home use, whilst the 2.5-kilo pack offers a larger quantity for those who eat this type of olive frequently.

Differences between ‘Hechizos del Sur’ and ‘La Receta del Cortijo’

Although both products belong to the same brand and feature green olives as their main ingredient, their character differs markedly due to the type of marinade used.

‘Hechizos del Sur’ relies heavily on spices. Its composition also includes a small proportion of sunflower oil, which is used in the preparation of the marinade.

La Receta del Cortijo incorporates garlic and red pepper around the crushed olives. Vinegar plays a more prominent role in its preparation, giving it a flavour profile closer to that of traditional dressings which combine olives with vegetables and seasonings.

Your choice will therefore depend on the type of appetiser you wish to prepare. If you fancy an olive with a dressing in which the spices take centre stage, ‘Los Hechizos del Sur’ is an excellent choice. For those who enjoy dishes where garlic, chilli and vinegar are clearly integrated into the flavour, ‘La Receta del Cortijo’ offers a different profile.

An appetiser to share

Larger packs are particularly handy when olives are a regular feature of your appetisers. You can serve just the amount you need and store the rest, always following the instructions on the packaging.

They also work well at meals with several guests. Placing the olives in the centre of the table is a simple way to start the appetiser, one that is deeply rooted in Spanish culinary tradition.

The two recipes also demonstrate just how much the seasoning can transform the same basic product. The way the olives are prepared and the ingredients used create quite different experiences, whilst retaining that recognisable character of seasoned green olives.

Find your Sarasa olives at Your Spanish Shop

If you fancy ‘Los Hechizos del Sur’ or want to try ‘La Receta del Cortijo’, you can find them in our catalogue and receive them alongside the rest of the Spanish products in your order. Choose the type of seasoning that suits you best and enjoy that moment of olives on the table again at home before you start your meal.