Kalamata Olive Tapenade – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on October 5, 2023

Kalamata Olive Tapenade is a great condiment originating from Greece. It is a popular appetizer or condiment that is perfect for entertaining guests or adding taste to any dish.

This easy-to-make tapenade can be enjoyed with crackers, bread, veggies, or even as a topping for meats and salads. With its rich and tangy flavor, it adds a delicious flavor to any dish.

In this article, we will guide you through a simple procedure for making Kalamata Olive Tapenade that you can easily make at home. Get ready to unlock the flavors of the Mediterranean with this tasty tapenade!

What is Kalamata Olive Tapenade? 

Kalamata Olive Tapenade is a traditional Greek spread made from kalamata olives. The word “tapenade” comes from the Provençal word “tapéno”, meaning capers. Traditional tapenades are typically made with capers, anchovies, and olive oil.

However, this Kalamata Olive Tapenade omits the anchovies to make it vegetarian-friendly. This flavorful spread is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and can be used as a dip, condiment, or topping for various dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Kalamata Olive Tapenade?

One of the best things about Kalamata Olive Tapenade is that it is a budget-friendly condiment. With just a few affordable ingredients, you can make a delicious spread that will elevate any dish.

Moreover, this tapenade also has numerous health benefits. Olives and capers are both rich in antioxidants, while olive oil is known for its heart-healthy properties. With this tapenade, you can enjoy a tasty and nutritious condiment.

It has a rich and tart taste with hints of garlic, lemon, and parsley. The olives provide a meaty texture while the capers add a salty and zesty punch to the tapenade.

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Ingredients 

• Capers: The star of the tapenade! Capers are small, pickled flower buds that add a tangy and salty flavor to the tapenade.
• Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil adds richness and depth to the tapenade.
• Kalamata olives: These dark purple olives from Greece have a meaty texture and a rich, slightly bitter flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, add salt and pepper for an extra boost.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright and fresh note to the tapenade.
• Garlic: For a punch of bold flavor, use fresh cloves of garlic.
• Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a zesty and citrusy flavor to the tapenade.

Step by Step Directions 

Step 1

Gather all ingredients and measure them before starting.

Step 2

In a food processor or blender, add capers, olive oil, kalamata olives, salt, and pepper according to taste.

Step 3

Add in fresh parsley, garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Blend until well combined but still slightly chunky.

Step 4

Taste the tapenade and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5

Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips 

• Use pitted olives to save time.
• For a creamier texture, add a few tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the tapenade.
• If you don’t have a food processor or blender, finely chop all the ingredients and mix them together in a bowl.

Nutrition Information 

How to store Kalamata Olive Tapenade?

Kalamata Olive Tapenade can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh and flavorful, make sure to cover the tapenade with a layer of olive oil before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help prevent air from reaching the tapenade and keep it from spoiling.

You can also freeze the tapenade for longer storage. Simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

When ready to use, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying it. Make sure to stir the tapenade well before serving as it may separate when frozen.

What other substitute can I use in Kalamata Olive Tapenade? 

• If you don’t have kalamata olives, you can use any other type of pitted olive such as black olives or green olives.
• Anchovies can be added for a more traditional tapenade flavor, but if you want to keep it vegetarian-friendly, you can omit them altogether.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of capers used or substitute them with chopped pickles.
• For a touch of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the tapenade.
• You can also experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, or basil to create your own unique flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use canned olives for this tapenade?

Yes, you can use canned olives. Just make sure to drain them well before using.

Can I omit the parsley in this?

Yes, you can omit the parsley if desired. However, it does add a nice fresh flavor to the tapenade.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, this tapenade is gluten-free and suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our guide on how to make Kalamata Olive Tapenade. We hope you enjoy making this delicious and versatile condiment at home.

Please share this article with friends and family and don’t forget to leave a comment below letting us know how your tapenade turned out!

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