Cracked Green Olives with Herbs and Preserved Lemon

1 pound small to medium brine-cured green olives (preferably cracked)*

1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander

3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

Peel of 1/2 preserved lemon, cut into julienne strips, plus 3 tablespoons preserved lemon juice to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

A pinch dried red hot pepper flakes

*available at Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets.

If using uncracked whole olives, crush lightly with flat side of large knife on a cutting board. In a large bowl cover olives with cold water and soak 4 hours to remove excess salt. Drain olives well. In a bowl stir together olives and remaining ingredients and marinate, covered and chilled, at least 6 hours or overnight. Olives may be prepared 1 week ahead and kept chilled, covered.

Serve olives at room temperature.

Makes about 3 cups.