Appetizer > Tapenades > Olive Tapenade

Canestrato and Olive Tapenade Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. Canestrato cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup capers
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.
2. Season the tapenade with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the Canestrato cheese cubes with a drizzle of olive oil.
4. To serve, arrange the Canestrato cubes on a platter and spoon the olive tapenade over the top.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: N/A
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people as an appetizer.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canestrato cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with any other type of black olive.
- Capers can be substituted with chopped pickles or roasted red peppers.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the Canestrato cheese with fresh mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the tapenade for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make the tapenade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Serve the Canestrato and olive tapenade with sliced baguette or crackers.
- For a more elegant presentation, arrange the Canestrato cubes and olive tapenade on individual serving plates.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheating instructions:
- N/A

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the Canestrato cubes and olive tapenade on a wooden board or platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tapenade is too salty, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly store any leftover tapenade in the refrigerator.

Food history:
- Canestrato cheese is a hard, aged cheese that originated in Southern Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- The Canestrato cheese has a nutty and slightly tangy flavor, while the olive tapenade is salty and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer before a meal or as a snack with drinks.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herby, Umami