Mediterranean Black Olive Tapenade
Elevate your next gathering with this vibrant Mediterranean Black Olive Tapenade, the perfect appetizer that echoes the flavors of the sun-soaked shores of Greece. A harmonious blend of rich black olives, tangy capers, and zesty garlic, this tapenade is not only quick to prepare but also adds a gourmet touch to your cheese platters and snack spreads. Perfect for parties, served alongside crunchy crostini, or enjoyed as a savory accompaniment to your lunch, it promises to delight your taste buds and leave your guests wanting more.
6
Servings
50
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pitted black olives
4 ounces (drained)
Oil-cured Greek olives
4 ounces (pitted and drained)
Capers
1/3 cup (drained)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (minced)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the pitted black olives and oil-cured Greek olives. Pulse them until coarsely chopped.
2
Add the drained capers, minced garlic cloves, dried thyme, and Dijon mustard into the processor. Blend until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
3
Transfer the olive mixture into a mixing bowl.
4
Stir in the lemon juice and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as necessary. Mix thoroughly.
5
Fold in the minced parsley to add a fresh touch.
6
Serve immediately with slices of toasted French bread or refrigerate to enhance the flavors before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Black Olive Tapenade?
It is a savory appetizer made from a blend of black olives, oil-cured Greek olives, capers, and garlic, perfect for snacks or parties.
How many calories are in one serving of this tapenade?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
Is this tapenade recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetable-based and is vegetarian-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What types of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 4 ounces of pitted black olives and 4 ounces of oil-cured Greek olives.
Can I make this tapenade without a food processor?
While a food processor is recommended for the best texture, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand with a chef's knife.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.2 grams of fat per serving.
What kind of mustard should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for its tangy flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 2.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I add extra salt to the tapenade?
The olives and capers are naturally salty, so it is best to taste the mixture before adding any additional salt.
How should I store leftover tapenade?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What are the best serving suggestions?
It is delicious served with toasted French bread, crostini, or as an accompaniment to a cheese platter.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme, but you may need to use about three times as much as the dried amount.
Is there a substitute for capers?
If you do not have capers, you can use chopped green olives or pickles for a similar acidic bite.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 0.5 grams of protein per serving.
Do the olives need to be pitted?
Yes, both the black olives and the Greek olives must be pitted before processing.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this tapenade is vegan.
Does this dish contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I add olive oil to the mixture?
The oil-cured olives provide moisture, but you can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you prefer a smoother consistency.
How long should I pulse the food processor?
Pulse until the olives are coarsely chopped but still retain some texture, avoiding a complete puree.
Is black pepper necessary?
The recipe suggests adding 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper to taste to enhance the flavor.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Vegetable dishes.
How long does it take to prepare?
It is a quick recipe that only requires blending and stirring, taking just a few minutes.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if your food processor is large enough to handle the volume.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerating the tapenade for a few hours before serving allows the flavors to meld and enhance.
Why is lemon juice added?
Lemon juice provides a fresh acidity that balances the richness of the olives and the garlic.
What is the purpose of the parsley?
Minced parsley is folded in at the end to add a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
Can I add spice to this recipe?
If you want heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the blending process.
Can I use only one type of olive?
Yes, but using a mix of standard black olives and oil-cured Greek olives provides a more complex flavor profile.