Appetizer > Tapenades

Brocciu and Olive Tapenade Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of brocciu cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup of black olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup of green olives, pitted
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the olives, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth.

2. Add the crumbled brocciu cheese to the food processor or blender and pulse until the cheese is well combined with the olive mixture.

3. Taste the tapenade and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed.

4. Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of tapenade
- Serves 6-8 people

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 130
- Total fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brocciu cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese or feta cheese.
- Black olives and green olives can be substituted with Kalamata olives or a mix of different olives.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or white wine vinegar.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the tapenade for extra flavor.
- Spread the tapenade on crostini or crackers for a quick and easy appetizer.
- Use the tapenade as a sandwich spread or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use pitted olives to avoid any unwanted crunchiness in the tapenade.
- For a smoother texture, blend the olive mixture for a longer time in the food processor or blender.
- The tapenade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
- Store the tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- The tapenade does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tapenade in a small bowl with a spoon for easy serving.
- Garnish the tapenade with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Garnishes:
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Sprinkle of black pepper
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil

Pairings:
- Serve the tapenade with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.
- Pair with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the tapenade with a side of fresh vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tapenade is too thick, add a little more olive oil to thin it out.
- If the tapenade is too salty, add a little more lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and equipment when making the tapenade.
- Store the tapenade in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

Food history:
- Brocciu cheese is a traditional cheese from Corsica, France, made from sheep or goat milk.
- Olive tapenade is a popular condiment in Mediterranean cuisine, made from olives, capers, and anchovies.

Flavor profiles:
- The tapenade has a salty and tangy flavor from the olives and lemon juice, with a creamy and slightly nutty flavor from the brocciu cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the tapenade as an appetizer or snack.
- Use the tapenade as a condiment for sandwiches or as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.

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Region: French

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herby, Nutty