Savory Kalamata Olive Tapenade Delight
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this Kalamata Olive Tapenade Delight - a perfect blend of Mediterranean ingredients that elevates any dish. This simple yet sophisticated spread is fantastic on warm focaccia or toasted baguette slices, where it can be enjoyed in a thin layer, allowing its robust flavors to shine. Beyond its role as a spread, it’s an excellent addition to sandwiches, making grilled cheese or fresh mozzarella and tomato sandwiches sing. Not just for bread, this tapenade also serves as a delightful dip for fresh veggies like baby carrots, or it can be repurposed as a luxurious pasta sauce. Rich and flavorful, this tapenade keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a perennial favorite at gatherings and parties.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
pitted Kalamata olives
1 cup (pitted)
pine nuts
1 cup (toasted, if desired)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled)
fresh parsley
1 - 2 cups (roughly chopped)
fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon (minced)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin recommended)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
pitted canned black olives
1 cup (pitted)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, add the garlic cloves and pulse until finely minced.
2
Next, incorporate the pitted Kalamata olives, canned black olives, pine nuts, fresh parsley, and rosemary into the processor.
3
Blend the mixture until it's smooth, carefully drizzling in the olive oil gradually while the processor is running to achieve a creamy consistency.
4
Taste the tapenade and adjust the flavors to your preference: adding more pine nuts or parsley will lessen the saltiness, while more olive oil will enhance its creaminess.
5
If desired, incorporate other fresh herbs like sage or basil for a unique twist.
6
Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and let it sit at room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Kalamata Olive Tapenade Delight?
It is a rich and savory Mediterranean-inspired spread made from a blend of Kalamata olives, black olives, pine nuts, and fresh herbs.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are pitted Kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts, garlic, fresh parsley, rosemary, olive oil, and canned black olives.
How do I start the preparation process?
Begin by adding the garlic cloves to a food processor and pulsing them until they are finely minced.
Which types of olives are used in this tapenade?
This recipe uses a combination of one cup of pitted Kalamata olives and one cup of pitted canned black olives.
Can I use different herbs in this tapenade?
Yes, while it calls for parsley and rosemary, you can also incorporate fresh sage or basil for a unique flavor profile.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running to ensure the mixture blends into a smooth, creamy texture.
What can I do if the tapenade is too salty?
You can lessen the saltiness by adding more pine nuts or fresh parsley to the mixture.
How can I make the tapenade even creamier?
Increasing the amount of olive oil used during the blending process will enhance the creaminess of the spread.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
The recipe suggests using one cup of pine nuts, which can be toasted if desired to add a deeper nutty flavor.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
For the best flavor, transfer the tapenade to a bowl and let it sit at room temperature before serving.
What kind of bread pairs well with this tapenade?
It is fantastic when spread on warm focaccia or toasted baguette slices.
Can I use this tapenade in sandwiches?
Yes, it is an excellent addition to grilled cheese or fresh mozzarella and tomato sandwiches.
Is this tapenade suitable as a vegetable dip?
Absolutely, it serves as a delightful dip for fresh vegetables like baby carrots.
Can this recipe be used for pasta?
Yes, the tapenade can be repurposed as a luxurious and flavorful pasta sauce.
How should I store the tapenade?
This tapenade keeps well when stored in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe consists of plant-based ingredients and is suitable for vegetarians.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the ingredients are entirely vegan, making it a great option for those on a plant-based diet.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for three peeled garlic cloves.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and quality.
How much parsley should I use?
You can use between 1 to 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh parsley depending on your preference.
Do I need to add salt to this recipe?
The olives provide significant saltiness, so the recipe only suggests adding fresh ground black pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this Savory Kalamata Olive Tapenade Delight.
How should the rosemary be prepared?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of fresh rosemary that has been minced.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to mince the garlic and blend the olives and nuts into a smooth spread.
Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
Yes, it is a perennial favorite for gatherings and stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for advance prep.
What is the total amount of olives used?
The recipe uses a total of two cups of olives: one cup of Kalamata and one cup of canned black olives.
Can I adjust the flavors after blending?
Yes, you should taste the tapenade after blending and adjust the pine nuts, parsley, or olive oil to your preference.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What is the main texture of this dish?
The dish is designed to be a smooth and creamy spread once fully processed with the olive oil.
What is the recipe ID for this dish?
The recipe ID is savory-kalamata-olive-tapenade-delight.