Mediterranean Magic: Easy Olive Tapenade Recipe 🫒

Certainly! Let’s dive into the world of Tapenade! 🫒

Tapenade Recipe

Name: Tapenade
Category: Spreads
Keywords: Vegetable, European, Kosher, < 15 Mins, No Cook
Yield: 2 cups

Ingredients

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Olives:

   • Begin by pitting the olives. You can do this with an olive pitter if you have one, or simply crush the olive meat (careful to avoid the pits) with the flat side of a large knife or cleaver. Remove the pits and discard.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • Place the pitted olives into a food processor fitted with the metal blade.
   • Add in the anchovy fillets in oil, the garlic clove, capers, extra virgin olive oil, and a few generous twists of freshly ground black pepper.

3. Blend:

   • Pulse the ingredients using the on/off switch of the food processor. The goal is to blend everything together, but not too much! Keep it brief to maintain a coarse texture in the tapenade. You want it to have a bit of chunkiness.

4. Store:

   • If you’re not using all of the tapenade immediately, it stores wonderfully.
   • Transfer the tapenade to small glass jars for storage. Seal the jars tightly.
   • Keep the jars in the refrigerator. Tapenade will stay fresh for up to 2 months when stored properly.

Serving Suggestions:

• White Pizza Base: This tapenade is exceptional as a base for white pizza! Spread it on your pizza dough before adding other toppings for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

• Appetizer Platter: Serve the tapenade alongside an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread for a delightful appetizer platter.

• Sandwich Spread: Elevate your sandwiches by spreading a layer of tapenade on the bread. It adds a tangy, briny kick that complements meats and cheeses beautifully.

• Pasta Enhancer: Toss a spoonful of tapenade with freshly cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. Add some cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for extra freshness.

• Salad Dressing: Thin out the tapenade with a bit of extra olive oil and use it as a unique and flavorful salad dressing. It works particularly well with leafy greens and roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information (per 2 tbsp serving):

• Calories: 49
• Fat: 4.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 1.6mg
• Sodium: 127mg
• Carbohydrates: 1.9g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Sugar: 0.1g
• Protein: 0.9g

Additional Tips:

• Variations: Feel free to customize your tapenade! Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.

• Olive Options: Experiment with different types of olives to find your favorite flavor profile. Kalamata olives will add a deeper, richer taste, while green olives will bring a tangy twist.

• Make it Vegan: Simply omit the anchovy fillets to create a delicious vegan version of this tapenade. The capers and olives provide more than enough briny flavor.

• Freezing: While tapenade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, you can also freeze it for longer storage. Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Now that you have this versatile and flavorful tapenade recipe at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving a delicious snack, this tapenade will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy! 🍽️✨