Imagine transporting your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastlines of Provence with just one bite of this luxurious Black Olive Tapenade. This elegant French appetizer is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will make your guests think you've trained in a Parisian kitchen. With its rich, briny flavors and crispy garlic toasts, this tapenade is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that takes mere minutes to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Drain the pitted black olives and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a food processor, combine the black olives, capers, peeled garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, chunky paste, being careful not to over-process.
- Transfer the tapenade to a small serving bowl and set aside at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French baguette diagonally into thin, 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Brush each slice generously with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
- Toast the bread in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the garlic toasts from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes to become crisp.
- Serve the tapenade in a small bowl alongside the warm garlic toasts, allowing guests to spread the tapenade themselves.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, pitted black olives for the best flavor—Kalamata or Niçoise varieties work wonderfully.
- Pat olives dry thoroughly to prevent a watery tapenade texture.
- Pulse the ingredients in the food processor carefully to maintain a rustic, chunky consistency.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor punch.
- Toast baguette slices just until golden to prevent burning.
- Let the tapenade sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to intensify.
- Serve at room temperature for optimal taste and spreadability.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg