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Dive into the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make Olive Tapenade Spread! This Mediterranean spread is a delightful addition to your recipe collection, perfect for gatherings or a simple snack, offering a burst of savory goodness in every bite.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
How Many Servings?
6-8 servings
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.