Delicious Home Made Olive Tapenade

January 26, 2024

Few recipes capture the essence of the Mediterranean as perfectly as this Olive Tapenade; rich in flavour and combines a symphony of ingredients to create a versatile condiment that enhances any dish it graces.

Homemade Olive Tapenade is more than just a condiment; it’s a culinary gem that effortlessly elevates a wide range of dishes. Its bold and briny flavours, derived from a harmonious blend of black and green olives, sundried tomatoes, capers, garlic, and a touch of citrus, make it a versatile recipe that can be your secret weapon in the kitchen. While fantastic as a spread for a Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich, it opens the door to culinary creativity. From puff pastry tarts and pasta sauces to grilled meats and Mediterranean-inspired salads, the possibilities are endless.

Beyond the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich: A World of Possibilities

While Olive Tapenade shines as a delightful spread in the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich, its versatility is unknown. Embrace its potential in the culinary world as it effortlessly elevates various dishes:

Puff Pastry Tarts: Spread Olive Tapenade on puff pastry and top with roasted vegetables and feta cheese for a savoury tart that’s a showstopper at any gathering.
Pasta Sauces: Incorporate it into pasta sauces for an instant burst of Mediterranean flair, making your pasta dishes sing with flavour.
Grilled Meats: Use it as a marinade or condiment for grilled meats, infusing them with the bold and savoury character of the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean-Inspired Salads: Drizzle it over salads for a punchy dressing or mix it into potato or tuna salad for a delightful twist.

With Olive Tapenade in your culinary repertoire, you hold the key to unlocking a world of Mediterranean flavours, and each dish becomes a culinary masterpiece in its own right.

Basic Ingredients for Olive Tapenade

Olives:

Pitted Black Olives: These olives bring a rich, earthy flavour and a satisfying meaty texture to the tapenade. Their dark colour and robust taste add depth to the mixture.

Pitted Green Olives: Green olives contribute a slightly tangy and briny note, balancing the flavours of the black olives. Together, they create a harmonious blend that characterises Mediterranean cuisine.

Sundried Tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes offer an intense sweetness and concentrated tomato flavour. They infuse the tapenade with a rich, sun-soaked essence that brings depth to the condiment.

Capers: Capers provide a zesty and piquant punch to the tapenade, enhancing its complexity. These small but potent buds add a burst of flavour, making each bite exciting.

Garlic Cloves: Garlic infuses the tapenade with a subtle yet unmistakable hint of heat and depth. Its aromatic presence elevates the overall profile of the condiment.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice contributes a bright and citrusy counterpoint, balancing the richness of the olives and sundried tomatoes. It imparts a refreshing and vibrant quality to the tapenade.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil binds the ingredients together, giving the tapenade a luscious, silky texture. Its delicate fruity notes and richness are quintessential to Mediterranean cuisine.

Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a final touch, bringing a harmonious spiciness that ties all the flavours together and adds complexity to the tapenade.

alternative ingredients

Olives: Experiment with different olive varieties, such as Kalamata olives for a more intense briny flavour or Castelvetrano olives for a milder, buttery taste.

Sundried Tomatoes: You can vary the sundried tomatoes by using those packed in oil or rehydrated sundried tomatoes for different textures and flavours.

Capers: Try using pickled caperberries for a unique twist on the classic tapenade.

Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your preference, whether you prefer a milder or more robust garlic flavour.

Preparation Tips for Olive Tapenade

Ensure the olives are pitted to avoid unwanted surprises while enjoying the tapenade.
When blending the ingredients in a food processor, pulse them until finely chopped but not pureed to maintain a desirable chunky texture.
When adding lemon juice and olive oil, gradually blend to achieve the desired paste-like consistency.

Serving Tips for Olive Tapenade

Serve the olive tapenade as a dip with crusty bread, crackers, or alongside a cheese platter for a Mediterranean-inspired appetiser.
Incorporate it into sandwiches, wraps, or paninis for a burst of flavour.
Use it as a condiment for grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables to enhance their taste.

storage tips

Store the olive tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Ensure the surface of the tapenade is covered with a thin layer of olive oil to help preserve its freshness and prevent oxidation.
If you need to freeze it, do so in a sealed container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use, and stir well to restore the texture.