Mediterranean Tapenade is a gorgeous paste that can be used in so many different ways. We use it on sandwiches, to flavour meat & fish, for pasta, and much much more! If you love olives, or pretty much anything with rich savoury flavours, you’re going to loveee this! Plus, all you need is a few basic ingredients, a high-speed blender, and 15 minutes of your time!
The provided tapenade recipe makes about a standard-sized bowlful of tapenade, depending on the size and type of olives used. This quantity is ideal for serving as an appetiser for a small dinner party or gathering or as a versatile condiment for a week’s worth of tapenade. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your specific needs and the number of guests you plan to serve. If you’re hosting a larger event, it’s always a good idea to double or triple the recipe to ensure an ample supply – you can always freeze the leftovers!
If you’d like to learn all about tapenade; its vibrant history, the varieties available, and how to use it, read our recent blog: What is Tapenade & What is it Used For?
Creating your own tapenade at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Method
Follow these steps to make our Olive Tapenade
In a food processor, start by combining the olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. Add your lemon juice and pulse again.
With the food processor slowly running, drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
Once a smooth paste, empty your tapenade into a bowl and stir in chopped fresh herbs. In this recipe we recommend parsley. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Add your tapenade to a pretty serving bowl and serve alongside crostini, crudites, or fresh farmhouse bread for dipping. If you aren’t using your tapenade right away, add it to a sterilised jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top. It should last for up to two weeks.
Top tip: whilst not completely traditional, you can serve the spread warm by gently heating it on the stove and serving it to your guests immediately.
What To Serve With Olive Tapenade
Tapenade is a great spread that also works perfectly for dunking. Serve alongside almost any Mediterranean dish, or serve alongside:
- Fresh bread
- Crostini
- Crackers
- Pita breads
- Pastry twists
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta
- Crudites (learn how to make a stunning crudite platter in one of our recent blogs!)
Easy Appetisers From Savery Grazing
We hope you enjoy making this super easy spread for friends and family this summertime. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or get in touch with our team for answers to any questions you might have.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make The Tapenade Veggie & Vegan Friendly?
Absolutely! Simply omit the anchovies and add a touch more salt. You can also add a splash of soy sauce to your tapenade for a hint of umami, however, this can be avoided altogether to make the spread vegan-friendly.
Can I Use Different Types Of Olives in Tapenade?
Yes, experimenting with various olives adds depth to the flavour of tapenade. Green olives on their own add more of a savoury & briny flavour to the spread, whilst black olives add more sweetness.
Is Tapenade Good For You?
Yes! Tapenade is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which is said to be one of the healthiest diets in the world. The base ingredient of tapenade is olives, which are full of powerful antioxidants and vitamin E. These are combined with anchovies, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium which are great for brain and heart health.
Can You Freeze Homemade Tapenade?
Yes – absolutely! Simply add your leftover homemade tapenade to an ice cube tray covered in cling film and freeze. Once frozen, you can transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. To use, simply defrost a few cubes overnight in the fridge. If your spread has dried out slightly during the freezing process, simply loosen up with olive oil and serve as normal.
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