Olive Tapenade Recipe: A Delicious Spread For Any Occasion

Dwy hesti

March 10, 2023

Ingredients

To make olive tapenade, you'll need a few key ingredients:

1. Olives

Olives are the star of this recipe, so it's important to choose a high-quality variety. You can use either black or green olives, depending on your preference. Kalamata olives are a popular choice, but you can also use other types like Spanish or Italian olives. Look for olives that are pitted and packed in brine or oil.

2. Capers

Capers are a salty, tangy addition to olive tapenade. They're actually the flower buds of the caper plant, and they add a unique flavor to the dish. Look for capers that are packed in brine.

3. Garlic

Garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the tapenade. You can use either fresh or jarred garlic, depending on what you have on hand.

4. Olive oil

Olive oil helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a rich, fruity flavor. Look for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.

5. Lemon juice

Lemon juice adds a bright, acidic flavor to the tapenade. You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice.

6. Anchovy fillets (optional)

Some olive tapenade recipes call for anchovy fillets, which add a salty, umami flavor. If you're a fan of anchovies, feel free to include them. Otherwise, you can leave them out.

7. Herbs

Herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano can add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the tapenade. You can use either fresh or dried herbs, depending on what you have available.

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to make the olive tapenade. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prep the olives

If your olives are packed in brine, rinse them off and pat them dry. If they're packed in oil, you can skip this step. Remove the pits from the olives and discard them.

2. Chop the ingredients

Chop the olives, capers, garlic, and anchovy fillets (if using) into small pieces. You can use a food processor or a knife and cutting board. Be sure to chop everything finely so that it blends together well.

3. Mix the ingredients together

In a bowl, mix together the chopped olives, capers, garlic, and anchovy fillets (if using). Add the olive oil and lemon juice, and stir until everything is well combined.

4. Add herbs (optional)

If you're using herbs, chop them finely and add them to the bowl. Stir until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the tapenade.

5. Chill the tapenade

Transfer the tapenade to a container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the tapenade to thicken up a bit.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Once the tapenade is chilled, it's ready to serve. You can spread it on crackers, bread, or crostini, or use it as a dip for vegetables or chips. It's also a great addition to sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

Nutrition

Olive tapenade is a relatively healthy snack option, as it's packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Here's a breakdown of the basic nutrition information:

Calories:

One serving of olive tapenade (about 2 tablespoons) contains around 80-100 calories.

Fat:

Olive tapenade is high in fat, but most of it comes from heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. One serving contains around 7-9 grams of fat.

Sodium:

Because olives and capers are naturally salty, olive tapenade can be high in sodium. One serving contains around 300-400 milligrams of sodium.

Other nutrients:

Olive tapenade is also a good source of fiber, vitamin E, and other antioxidants.

Conclusion

Olive tapenade is a delicious and versatile spread that's easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful snack or appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a party or just enjoying it with a glass of wine, olive tapenade is sure to please. So why not give it a try today?