Homemade Olive Tapenade Recipe

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Savor the delightful Mediterranean flavors in our Olive Tapenade Recipe. This simple and inviting summer appetizer is perfect for enjoying with crackers or a baguette.

 This irresistible Mediterranean spread has been a hit at my catering tables and a personal favorite. This Olive Tapenade is so delightful that I often sneak to the fridge, spoon in hand, just to savor more of its addictive goodness. My taste buds can’t get enough of the savory, tangy joy it brings with each bite!

Not only is Olive Tapenade scrumptiously irresistible, but it’s also a wise choice for the health-conscious. With olives as its main ingredient, it embodies the essential good fats crucial for our health, making it a staple in the wholesome Mediterranean diet we aspire to adopt.

And did you know? Olive Tapenade originates from France. Traditionally composed of olives, capers, and anchovies, its name is derived from the French word ‘tapenas,’ which refers to capers. Simple yet deeply satisfying, this spread is a testament to the joy that straightforward cooking and snacking can bring our lives.

Ingredients of Olive Tapenade

Stepping into the creation process of our Olive Tapenade recipe, it’s essential to highlight the unique combination of ingredients that bring this delightful spread to life.

  • Diverse Olives Blend: The Olive Tapenade ingredients are meticulously chosen for a burst of flavors. Opting for pimento-stuffed olives, Kalamata and Castelvetrano green olives offer a delightful balance of sweet, bold, and buttery flavors that form the tapenade’s base. Each olive variety is crucial, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Artichoke Hearts: What does Olive Tapenade taste like with these additions? The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the spread with a tangy sweetness. At the same time, artichoke hearts contribute a nutty undertone, enhancing the tapenade’s complexity and appeal.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh oregano and parsley are not just Olive tapenade ingredients; they are the soul of this recipe, adding bright and aromatic notes that make the spread refreshing and irresistibly good.

Preparing Olive Tapenade at home is straightforward with these ingredients at hand. Let’s craft a spread that’s not only a joy to make but a delight to savor, embodying the vibrancy of Mediterranean cuisine!

Preparation Insights

  • Salt Management: Mind the salt! Rinse the olives to reduce saltiness, but leave the capers as they are. This way, you control the Olive tapenade’s salt content, keeping it flavorful but not too salty.
  • Quick Processing for Texture: Texture is key. Start with minced garlic to spread its flavor evenly. Using a food processor? It takes under 15 seconds to get a perfectly spreadable consistency that’s not too paste-like. Be watchful — over-processing can lead to a paste rather than a delightful tapenade.

With these quick tips, you’re ready to whip up a batch of Olive tapenade with the ideal balance of savory, salty, and perfect texture! Let’s dive in!

How to Serve Olive Tapenade

Versatile and flavorful, this Mediterranean spread can be used in various delightful ways – as a topping, a standalone snack, or a sandwich spread, proving its versatility and appeal in every bite.

  • Versatile Spread: Olive tapenade shines as a versatile addition to various dishes. Spread it generously on slices of crusty bread or crackers for a quick and delightful snack. Its robust flavor enhances the taste, turning a simple bite into a gourmet experience.
  • Topping for Proteins: Thinking of grilling chicken, fish, or steaks? A spoonful of Olive tapenade as a topping can transform your grilled proteins. Its savory and slightly tangy profile complements the smokiness of grilled dishes, adding an irresistible layer of flavor.
  • Sandwich Spread: Revamp your sandwiches with this flavorful spread! Smear Olive Tapenade on your sandwich bread, and it instantly elevates the taste, making each bite a celebration of flavors. Whether a vegetable sandwich or a classic turkey, the tapenade adds a delightful twist.
How to Make Homemade Olive Tapenade Recipe

Preparation

1.
Prepare the Olives: If your olives are too salty, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid a watery tapenade.
Mark as complete
2.
Food Processor Mixing: In a food processor, combine the olives, artichoke hearts, capers, sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts (if using), and minced garlic. Pulse the mixture for about 15 seconds. This should create a mix that isn't entirely smooth but has some texture.
Mark as complete
3.
Add Herbs & Seasoning: Add half of the fresh oregano, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper to the processor. Pulse again briefly to incorporate the herbs without over-processing. The addition of herbs at this stage infuses the tapenade with their flavor.
Mark as complete
4.
Adding Olive Oil and lemon Zest: Drizzle in the olive and the lemon zest. Pulse again until the mixture is well combined but still retains some texture. Be careful not to over-process; we aim for a spread with character, not a paste.
Mark as complete
5.
Final Touches: Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl. Stir in the remaining fresh oregano and parsley by hand. This adds bursts of fresh flavor and enhances the spread's visual appeal with vibrant green specks.
Mark as complete
6.
Serving Suggestion: Serve your Olive Tapenade Spread with baguette slices, crackers, or pita bread. It's also delightful as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or a sandwich spread.
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
8 oz pimento-stuffed olives (about 1 cup)
6 oz Castelvetrano green olives pitted
4 oz pitted kalamata olives
3 oz artichoke heart from a jar
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Pinch of dried oregano
Pinch of crushed red pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon zest

Preparation

1
Prepare the Olives: If your olives are too salty, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid a watery tapenade.
2
Food Processor Mixing: In a food processor, combine the olives, artichoke hearts, capers, sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts (if using), and minced garlic. Pulse the mixture for about 15 seconds. This should create a mix that isn't entirely smooth but has some texture.
3
Add Herbs & Seasoning: Add half of the fresh oregano, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper to the processor. Pulse again briefly to incorporate the herbs without over-processing. The addition of herbs at this stage infuses the tapenade with their flavor.
4
Adding Olive Oil and lemon Zest: Drizzle in the olive and the lemon zest. Pulse again until the mixture is well combined but still retains some texture. Be careful not to over-process; we aim for a spread with character, not a paste.
5
Final Touches: Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl. Stir in the remaining fresh oregano and parsley by hand. This adds bursts of fresh flavor and enhances the spread's visual appeal with vibrant green specks.
6
Serving Suggestion: Serve your Olive Tapenade Spread with baguette slices, crackers, or pita bread. It's also delightful as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or a sandwich spread.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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