If you’re looking for a way to get more olives in your life – or just a delicious new dip or spread – this tapenade is the perfect solution. With just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes required, it’s about as easy a recipe as they come. Let’s do this!
Origin of Tapenade
Before we get started, let’s pay our dues to the creators of tapenade: Italy! That’s right, although it’s more commonly thought of as French dish, tapenade has its roots in Italy where first written record of tapenade was by Italians in the first century AD. (source) The word tapenade comes from the Provençal word for capers tapenos. Tapenade is primarily made with olives but also typically features capers. Learn more about the history of tapenade here! And try this more authentic preparation of French tapenade.
What is a Tapenade?
A tapenade is a thick, olive-based sauce spread (similar to pesto in texture), typically enjoyed as an appetizer over bread or pizza. Yum. It all starts with delicious, rich olives. We prefer green or Kalamata olives from the olive bar at the grocery store, but any brined olives should work! To give this tapenade a fresh, tangy flavor, we used garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and lemon. The tomatoes provide richness, the garlic adds a bit of zing, and the lemon brightens the dip with all the acidity. Bonus? It all comes together in a food processor! Simply pulse until a chunky texture is achieved. Olive oil will help thin out the dip, if desired. We hope you LOVE this recipe as much as we do! It’s: SaltyTangyFreshQuick& Delicious! This dip makes the perfect appetizer! Our favorite way to enjoy it is atop hummus and crackers. It also goes great with freshly sliced vegetables such as cucumber and carrots. It’s especially delicious as a sandwich spread with the Trashy Vegan Sandwich from our Everyday Cooking Cookbook, or our Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich. If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
