The key to this recipe is rinsing the kalamatas and the anchovies really well. To the person who said it doesn't look pretty: I suggest that you present it with a thin layer of bread crumbs sprinkled over the top of it. Or, use cookie-cutters (stars, hearts, lighthouses, whatever) to cut shapes out of mozzarella or provelone slices to place on top of it. More generally, I think this is better suited to being offered as a canape (read: served already spread on the slices of bread). I agree that the general public might not choose to test a bowl of black mushy stuff. Plus, a little goes a long way; someone unfamiliar with tapenade might try a huge heaping tablespoon on a tiny piece of bread and be overwhelmed.
The key to this recipe is rinsing the kalamatas and the anchovies really well. To the person who said it doesn't look pretty: I suggest that you present it with a thin layer of bread crumbs sprinkled over the top of it. Or, use cookie-cutters (stars, hearts, lighthouses, whatever) to cut shapes out of mozzarella or provelone slices to place on top of it. More generally, I think this is better suited to being offered as a canape (read: served already spread on the slices of bread). I agree that the general public might not choose to test a bowl of black mushy stuff. Plus, a little goes a long way; someone unfamiliar with tapenade might try a huge heaping tablespoon on a tiny piece of bread and be overwhelmed.
Enjoyed this very much have made several times with a little change I use 1-1/2 cups Kalamata Olives 1-1/2 cups canned black olives (cuts the saltiness) about 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of lemon zest good dash of black pepper and follow the rest of the ingredients coarse chop in food processor slowly adding the Olive Oil till the right consistency and serve on French bread or crackers. Keeps well. Stir & allow to approach room temp before serving.
This was VERY yummy and EASY to make. I took the suggestion of another reviewer and did it in a processor. It is great as a spread on a sandwich or on a cracker. Don't let the anchovies sway you to not make.....you can't even taste them. This will become a staple Thanks Jim!
added some good parmesan cheese and fresh italian parsley and oregano. i also used anchovy paste. it was delicious!!
The real thing. However it is greatly improved if you double the garlic and use half Kalamata and half Nicoise (or picholine) olives. Excellent!
This is a great recipe however it was to puree'd by the time you get the oil added in. The second time I made this I used my food processor and added the garlic olives anchovies and capers and omitted the rest of the ingredients (thyme rosemary lemon juice and oil) and we liked it a lot more. It was more of the original italian tapenade without being overwhelmed with the herbs and lemon juice. Being able to omit the oil was a bonus! If you like it thin then Jim's recipe is ideal for mixing with hot pasta!
Fabulous! I added additional fresh herbs - parsley basil fresh grated parmesan with a dollop of good olive oil in the food processor. Excellent taste. I served on small toasts with a italian parsley leaf and small square of roasted red pepper as garnish - beautiful presentation!
Excellent recipe for an appetizer! I broiled pieces of pita bread sprinkled with olive oil garlic powder and salt until golden brown. It accompanies the recipe very well!
This was delicious and very easy to make. I brought it to a party and it was demolished! The only suggestion I have is to use a food processor not blender.
