Want to up your sandwich game? This Kalamata olive spread (also called tapenade) is used in Italian cuisine to flavor crostini and sandwiches.
A few weeks ago Alex and I returned full of inspiration from a trip to Italy, Croatia and Spain. Because we find that as a full-time recipe developer, we get our best inspiration when we leave our kitchen. Of course, sticking to the daily routine helps tick off the boxes on the to-do list. But going on an adventure opens your mind to new possibilities and ways of thinking! Perhaps you feel a similar friction in your career or personal life. However, we hoped that this trip would give us a new perspective. It absolutely is, and here’s a recipe to prove it: this Kalamata Olive Spread. Now before you say: But I don’t like olives! Continue reading.
Our Italian inspiration… Pisa
The place of inspiration: Pisa, Italy. As in the “leaning tower of”. Alex and I had been to Italy prior to this trip but we had never stopped at the Leaning Tower. We were afraid to hear it was extremely touristy. However, for this trip it was so close that we figured it couldn’t hurt to stop. When we arrived even though I knew it would be the tourist center I was shocked. People from all over the world were there! And snap photos of you holding the leaning tower. Sigh. However, the surrounding city of Pisa is very charming. After we got our dose, Alex took us to a little sandwich shop off the beaten track. It was small, the owner made our sandwiches himself and they were good. With flavors such as pecorino pear honey walnut rocket or cappicolo, pecorino, artichoke, olive spread. A short walk from the main square, away from the tourist crowds, but genuine, good, whole, delicious, quality ingredients.
What is Kalamata Olive Spread?
Now, of course, we had to re-cook this olive spread! It adds incredible flavor to any sandwich, incredible savory goodness. Caution: You don’t have to like olives to love this Kalamata Olive Spread! We promise. We know that olives are sometimes difficult to sell, especially Kalamata olives which have a strong flavor. This Kalamata Olive Spread adds just enough flavor to a sandwich without making it too salty. I usually spread the olive spread very lightly on the bread and it’s the perfect amount.
What is Kalamata Olive Spread? Olive pastes and spreads are often used in Italian cooking, on crostini, on sandwiches or even in salads. Oddly enough, Italian doesn’t have a single term for propagation. You may have heard the term before Olive tapenade, I thought so. Olive tapenade, however, refers to a specific type of olive paste that originated in Provence, France and is made with black olives, olive oil, capers, and anchovies. So technically, this recipe is not an olive tapenade, despite coming from the same family!
How to make Kalamata Olive Spread
A few notes on our Kalamata Olive Spread: Since a small amount goes a long way, we didn’t want you to make a huge batch. Our recipe is for just ½ cup. To blend such a small amount, we recommend using an immersion blender, mortar and pestle, or small food processor. You can also double the recipe and process it in a large food processor or blender, scraping down the sides if needed. The easiest way is to use pitted Kalamata olives for this Kalamata Olive Spread. We added a little red wine vinegar and oregano to bring out the flavors.
Looking for more olive recipes?
Aside from this Kalamata Olive Spread, here are some other olive recipes from A Couple Cooks:
This recipe is…
This Kalamata Olive Spread recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and free of refined sugar.
The description
This Kalamata olive spread (also called tapenade) is used in Italian cuisine to flavor sandwiches. This is one of our easiest olive recipes!
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Use an immersion blender, mortar and pestle, or small food processor* to blend all ingredients until smooth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Remarks
*You can also double the recipe and process it in a large food processor or blender, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Category: sauce
- Method: Mix
- Kitchen: Mediterranean Sea
Keywords: Olive spread, Kalamata olives, olives, spread, spread, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
