Description
This Green Olive Tapenade is a savory, textured spread combining roasted eggplant, garbanzo beans, and pimiento-stuffed green olives. It offers a delightful mix of flavors with fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary, enhanced by garlic and capers. Perfect for serving with crusty bread, this Mediterranean-inspired appetizer is easy to prepare and ideal for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Roasted Eggplant
- 1 1-pound globe eggplant (or 2 large Japanese eggplants)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Tapenade Mixture
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (additional)
- 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 jar (10 ounces) pimiento-stuffed green olives (about 2 cups), drained
- 2 tablespoons drained capers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Roast the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant(s) in half lengthwise. Brush the cut surface with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the eggplant halves cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes if using Japanese eggplants, or 40-45 minutes if using a globe eggplant, until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Scoop Out Eggplant Pulp: Once cooled, use a spoon to scrape the soft eggplant pulp from the skins into the bowl of a food processor. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl.
- Add Garbanzo Beans and Process: Add the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped but still has texture. Avoid over-processing to maintain a rustic consistency.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the pimiento-stuffed green olives, capers, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pulse the processor until the tapenade reaches a coarse, uniform consistency. If needed, add a little more olive oil to loosen the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top for an appealing finish. Serve with crusty bread for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, rinse the capers before adding them to the tapenade.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- The tapenade can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- Use fresh herbs for the best vibrant flavor.
- Serve with a variety of bread types such as baguette slices, crackers, or toasted pita.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean