Olive Tapenade
Tapenade is a classic Provençal spread is made from olives, capers, and olive oil. This savoury condiment is perfect for spreading on some crusty bread, crackers or flatbread, adding to sandwiches, or serving alongside grilled meats and vegetables. It is very easy to make and can be put together in under 5 minutes.
In this post, we explore a simple and delicious tapenade recipe that combines both green and black olives with capers and olive oil.
What is Tapenade and Why Does it Matter?
Tapenade is a traditional French spread originating from the beautiful region of Provence in France. The name comes from the Provençal word for capers, “tapenas.” Traditionally, it’s made by finely chopping or blending olives, capers, and sometimes even anchovies, and then mixing them with olive oil to create a tasty paste. Tapenade is known for its bold, briny flavour and versatility in various dishes.
Tips and Reminders for Making Tapenade
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Olive Selection: Using a mix of green and black olives provides a balance of flavours. Castelvetrano green olives are buttery and mild, while Kalamata olives are briny and robust.
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Texture Control: Pulse the ingredients to achieve a coarse texture. Over-processing can lead to a paste-like consistency, which may not be desirable.
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Flavour Adjustments: Feel free to add other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, or herbs to customise the flavour to your liking.
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Serving Suggestions: Tapenade is excellent on toasted baguette slices, as a sandwich spread, or as an accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
This olive tapenade recipe is a simple yet flavourful addition to your culinary repertoire. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners. Experiment with different olive varieties and additional ingredients to make it your own.
Make it beforehand and keep it in the fridge in an airtight container until you need it.
If you do try this recipe, please let us know how you get on in the comments section below!
How to Make Olive Tapenade
Olive Tapenade
Bold, briny, and bursting with flavour, discover the magic of olive tapenade. A Mediterranean spread that elevates snacks, apps, and meals in minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted green olives (e.g. Castelvetrano)
- 1 cup pitted black olives (e.g. Kalamata)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the green olives, black olives, capers, garlic, and lemon juice. I use a Nutribullet to do this.
- Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; the tapenade should have some texture.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
- If using, stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Transfer the tapenade to a bowl and serve immediately, or keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 195Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 986mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 3gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.