Savory Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Delight
This vibrant and flavorful tapenade combines the briny goodness of green olives with the earthy crunch of almonds and the aromatic freshness of basil. Enhanced by a hint of garlic and a splash of lemon juice, this spread is perfect for elevating your appetizer game. Whether slathered on creamy hummus or served as a dip with pita chips and fresh vegetables, this tapenade is sure to impress guests at your next gathering. Discover a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
green olives
2 cups (pitted)
whole untoasted almonds
1/3 cup
garlic clove
1 small (peeled and minced)
fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons
capers
1 tablespoon (rinsed and squeezed dry)
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (loosely packed and coarsely chopped)
olive oil
1/2 cup
sea salt or kosher salt
to taste (go easy)
Instructions
1
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the pitted green olives, whole untoasted almonds, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and rinsed capers.
2
Chop the fresh basil leaves coarsely, then add them to the mixture in the processor. Pulse a few times to begin breaking them down, ensuring a bit of texture remains.
3
Pour in the olive oil and season lightly with sea salt or kosher salt. Pulse the food processor until the mixture reaches a coarse paste texture, making sure the almonds stay slightly chunky for added crunch.
4
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt if desired.
5
Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Delight?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean tapenade that combines green olives, almonds, and fresh basil into a savory spread or dip.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all ingredients used in this tapenade are plant-based, making it entirely vegan.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include green olives, untoasted almonds, garlic, lemon juice, capers, fresh basil, olive oil, and salt.
How should I store the tapenade?
Store the tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does it stay fresh?
This spread can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What texture should the tapenade have?
The mixture should be a coarse paste with slightly chunky pieces of almond for added crunch.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
A blender can be used, but you must be careful to pulse it briefly to avoid over-processing it into a smooth puree.
Should the almonds be toasted?
The recipe calls for whole untoasted almonds to provide an earthy crunch.
What can I serve with this tapenade?
It pairs perfectly with creamy hummus, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for its aromatic freshness, which is a key component of the dish's flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What kind of olives are best for this?
The recipe specifically uses pitted green olives for their briny flavor.
Do I need to rinse the capers?
Yes, the capers should be rinsed and squeezed dry before being added to the mixture.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Absolutely, you can increase or decrease the garlic based on your personal preference.
Is this tapenade healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option as it contains healthy fats from olive oil and almonds.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
While lemon is traditional for tapenade, lime juice can be used as a substitute for acidity.
Is the tapenade salty?
It has a naturally briny taste from the olives and capers, so it is recommended to add salt sparingly.
Can I freeze this tapenade?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture of the basil may change slightly upon thawing.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt or kosher salt are the best options for this recipe.
Can I use black olives instead of green?
You can, but it will significantly change the flavor profile and color of the tapenade.
How do I prepare the basil?
The fresh basil leaves should be loosely packed and coarsely chopped before being pulsed.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a savory and aromatic spread without spicy heat.
Can I use a mortar and pestle?
Yes, if you prefer a more traditional method, you can grind the ingredients by hand for a rustic texture.
What is the serving size?
The serving size is not specified, but the recipe makes approximately 2.5 cups of tapenade.
Can I add other nuts?
Walnuts or pine nuts would make excellent substitutes for almonds if desired.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this savory recipe.
Does this contain cholesterol?
Since it is plant-based, it naturally contains zero cholesterol.
How quickly can I make this?
It can be prepared in just a few minutes using a food processor.