Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade

Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade is a delicious and savory spread that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. The combination of sweet caramelized onions and briny green olives creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Tapenade is a traditional French dish that is typically made with olives, capers, and anchovies. This version of tapenade adds caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor. The combination of sweet and salty ingredients makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
0.5 tsp dried thyme
4 garlic cloves, minced
0.25 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 cups pitted green olives
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
Stir in thyme and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
Add wine and vinegar, bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 7 minutes or until most of the liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.
Place onion mixture in a food processor then add the olives and black pepper. Process until smooth.

Variations

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added flavor.
Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions slowly over low heat to caramelize them properly. This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of the tapenade.

- Use a good quality olive oil for the best results. The olive oil will help to bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dish.

- Be sure to taste the tapenade before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more black pepper or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade is to cook the onions slowly over low heat until they are soft and caramelized. This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green olives on hand, you can use black olives instead. You can also use shallots in place of the onions for a slightly different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as goat cheese, feta, or brie. It also goes well with cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bring it to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade is a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.

Alergens

This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Carmelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Caramelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was at a farmer's market browsing through the stalls of fresh produce and artisanal goods. As I walked past a stand selling olives and onions, a friendly woman caught my eye and offered me a taste of her homemade tapenade.

The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweet caramelized onions, the briny green olives, the tangy vinegar and herbs. I knew I had to have the recipe. I struck up a conversation with the woman, whose name was Maria, and she graciously shared her secret with me.

Maria explained that she had learned to make the tapenade from her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. She told me about the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to properly caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness.

I was captivated by Maria's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving her family's culinary traditions. I knew that I had to try making the tapenade myself.

Back at home, I gathered all the ingredients - sweet Vidalia onions, plump green olives, fresh herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. I set to work slicing the onions thinly and slowly cooking them in a skillet until they were golden brown and caramelized.

The kitchen filled with the rich aroma of the sweet onions mingling with the briny olives. I added the herbs and vinegar, letting the flavors meld together into a delicious, savory spread.

When the tapenade was finished, I spread it on slices of crusty bread and shared it with my family. They couldn't get enough of it, each bite a burst of flavor and nostalgia.

Over the years, I have made Maria's Caramelized Onion and Green Olive Tapenade countless times, each batch a little different but always delicious. I have shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition of this special dish.

As I continue to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I am grateful for the connections I have made through food - the stories and memories that are woven into each recipe. Maria's tapenade will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of discovering new flavors and sharing them with others.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day at the farmer's market, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment. The simple pleasure of a homemade dish, made with love and shared with those I hold dear, is what truly nourishes the soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.