Homemade green and black tapenade enhances the flavor of tomato salad.

Tapenade, a flavorful spread originating from the Provence region in France, offers a delicious taste of the Mediterranean. While many consumers opt for commercially produced versions of this olive spread found in grocery stores, preparing tapenade at home is a quick and straightforward endeavor, particularly for those equipped with a food processor and pre-pitted olives.

The Green Black Tapenade can be made several days in advance, allowing for convenience in meal preparation. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the tapenade remains fresh for up to one week. A delightful way to incorporate this rich spread into your meals is by blending it with a vibrant tomato salad. To create this dish, combine 1.5 pounds of tomatoes—cut into wedges if they are medium to large and halved if they are cherry-sized—with 0.5 cups of the Green Black Tapenade, 0.5 cups of thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, and 3 cups of mixed baby greens. After mixing, taste the salad and add salt if necessary, then finish by drizzling with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.

The recipe for Green Black Tapenade yields about 1.5 cups, making it an ample portion for a family gathering or social event. The essential ingredients for this tapenade include three medium cloves of peeled garlic, two tablespoons of drained capers, four anchovy fillets, and fresh thyme leaves. A mix of one cup of pitted black olives, preferably Kalamata, and 1.25 cups of mild green olives, such as Castelvetrano, provides the necessary depth of flavor. Finally, four tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil enrich the spread’s texture and enhance its taste.

To prepare, begin by processing the garlic in a food processor until finely minced. Add the capers, anchovies, and thyme leaves, continuing to process until the mixture is uniformly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Next, incorporate the olives and olive oil, pulsing the mixture until the olives are finely chopped yet not fully puréed.

This approach to tapenade not only highlights its versatility as a culinary ingredient but also encourages home cooks to embrace Mediterranean flavors in their daily meals. For those looking to elevate their culinary repertoire, this Green Black Tapenade recipe is an excellent addition.

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