Ciao friends! My name is Yukiko and I work at Food and Meal sharing my passion for cooking. As summer approaches, my heart fills with excitement dreaming up recipes that capture the vibrant, sunny flavors of the season. This year, I simply must share my newfound love – a delightfully briny Olive Tapenade!
Having just returned from a dream vacation along the glistening coasts of Italy and France, I long to recreate the magical flavors that filled my days. Sipping rosé at a seaside café while nibbling on olives, crusty bread, and this splendid olive relish was pure bliss. With one bite, memories came flooding back and my taste buds rejoiced!
Now back home, feelings of nostalgia and inspiration to share a little piece of my European travels have led me here – eager to help you craft your own taste of the Mediterranean with this easy Olive Tapenade. Believe me when I say this recipe, while simple, is incredibly vibrant and versatile! Whip up a batch to swirl into pasta, dollop onto pizza, stuff into sandwiches, and so much more.
Let’s embark on this tasty journey together! I gently encourage you to gather some briny olives, herbs, lemon, and olive oil so we can prepare this splendid tapenade that’s sure to be a new favorite. Like me, I hope you’ll be transported (if just for a moment) back to sunny Mediterranean shores every time you enjoy this Olive Tapenade!
Easy Olive Tapenade Recipe
Blending Easy Olive Tapenade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into the blender container. Secure the lid.
- Start the blending at low speed, then quickly increase to highest speed and blend for 1 minute or until getting the desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- To add some crunch and texture to your tapenade, consider incorporating toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds.
- For a unique twist, you can swap the black olives with Kalamata olives or a mix of green and black olives.
- Adjust the garlic and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences, for a mild or bold kick of flavor.
- This tapenade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.
Nutrition
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This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Why This Tapenade is Great:
The beauty of this Easy Olive Tapenade lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a luscious and flavorful spread that elevates any dish it touches.
Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner party or looking for a quick and scrumptious appetizer, this tapenade has got you covered. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to showcase the vibrant and bold flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine.
Cooking tips
Chopping the olives is a crucial step. I’ve found that a quick pulse in the food processor leads to the best texture – slightly chunky with a thick, paste-like consistency. Be careful not to over process into a smooth puree. Part of tapenade’s rustic appeal lies in those delightful olive bits!
Anchovies can be rather pungent, so I gently suggest adding them slowly, tasting as you go until the flavor balances to your liking. This allows their salty savoriness to shine without overpowering the olives. Too little, however, risks a flat, lackluster flavor. It’s a delicate dance I’ve come to enjoy.
Quality olive oil and herbs make all the difference. My favorite oils for tapenade include fruity Tuscan varieties or grassy, peppery Greek ones. They allow the olives to take center stage. When it comes to herbs, I prefer the fresh brightness of parsley paired with the woodsy notes of oregano or thyme.
Serving Suggestions:
Experience a burst of flavors by serving the tapenade with Scallion Pancakes, BLW Carrot Fries, or Cheese Donkatsu for a delightful appetizer. The satisfying crunch of the fried items complements the briny olives in the tapenade, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Alternatively, elevate your sandwich game by using the tapenade as a spread with Grilled Halibut, Teriyaki Salmon, or Zesty Baked Tuna, where the savory fish flavors seamlessly complement the bold notes of the tapenade.
Indulge in a robust pairing by scooping up the tapenade with Spicy Beef Stew or Schezwan Noodles, as the rich, meaty dishes confidently stand up to the assertive olive flavors. For a sophisticated meat and cheese plate, serve the tapenade alongside Prosciutto, Salami, Brie, and crusty Baguette slices, offering a savory medley for your palate. Amp up your pasta dishes by stirring a spoonful of tapenade into Fettuccine Alfredo or Pasta Primavera before serving, adding a briny flavor punch to the classic recipes.
For a simple yet elegant bruschetta, use the tapenade as a topping for sliced French bread or baguette toasted with Garlic Butter and fresh tomatoes. Whether as a snack, sandwich enhancement, pasta accompaniment, or bruschetta topping, this versatile tapenade brings a bold and delicious flair to a variety of dishes.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use canned olives for this tapenade?
Absolutely! Canned olives work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to choose pitted ones for easier blending.
Q2: Is this tapenade suitable for vegans?
Yes, it is! This Easy Olive Tapenade is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly, making it a delightful option for all diets.
Q3: How can I adjust the saltiness of the tapenade?
To control the saltiness, use low-sodium olives or soak the olives in water for a few minutes before blending.
Q4: Can I freeze the tapenade for later use?
While technically possible, I recommend enjoying this tapenade fresh for the best taste and texture.
Q5: How should I store any leftovers?
Simply transfer the tapenade into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week.
Conclusion
This vibrant Olive Tapenade turned out to be the perfect appetizer for all our summer gatherings! With its bold, briny olive flavor balanced by herbs, lemon, and garlic, it always receives rave reviews.
I love that it comes together quickly in the food processor. A rough chop is all that’s needed for the olives before pulsing them into a chunky relish along with the other ingredients. Feel free to add other veggies like sundried tomatoes or artichoke hearts too if desired!
The possibilities for serving this olive tapenade are endless. We’ve enjoyed it on crusty bread as an appetizer, dolloped onto pizza, stuffed into sandwiches, swirled into pasta, and so much more. It’s a very versatile condiment to have on hand.
For more Mediterranean-inspired recipes perfect for summer, head over to FoodandMeal.com. You’ll find over a dozen options featuring fresh veggies, herbs, and of course – olives! From tapenades and salads to skewers and more.
I'm Yukiko, a Food & Lifestyle blogger and marketing professional at Hana Hotel Travel Company, focused on Food And Meal restaurants. I love cooking, with a special affection for baking, and photography. My blog offers healthy, diverse recipes and captures the beauty of culinary arts, aiming to inspire a balanced lifestyle and connect food enthusiasts globally.