Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade

Introduction

History

Tapenade is a traditional Provençal dish that originated in the south of France. It is typically made with olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil. This version of tapenade adds sun dried tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, fresh basil leaves, and kalamata olives for the most authentic taste.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the tapenade will enhance their nutty flavor and add a nice crunch to the dish.

- Adjust the consistency of the tapenade by adding more olive oil if needed. The texture should be smooth and spreadable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Blending all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth is the key technique for making Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use walnuts or pistachios instead of almonds.

- Swap out the kalamata olives for green olives or a mix of both.

- Try using pecorino or asiago cheese in place of parmesan.

Make Ahead Tips

Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tapenade in a small bowl garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade pairs well with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (parmesan cheese). It may also contain gluten if served with crostini or crackers.

Summary

Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is high in fats and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, just like any other, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the well-worn pages, my eyes landed on a recipe that caught my attention: Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade.

I had always loved the combination of sun dried tomatoes and basil, so I knew I had to try this recipe. The only problem was, the recipe was quite vague and didn't provide much guidance on the measurements or ingredients needed. Determined to make it work, I set out to recreate the tapenade based on my own instincts and experience in the kitchen.

I remembered the first time I had tasted tapenade at a friend's dinner party many years ago. It was love at first bite - the rich, tangy flavors of the sun dried tomatoes combined with the fresh, aromatic basil created a truly unforgettable experience for my taste buds. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I had gathered recipes from various places and people, each one adding a unique twist to my culinary repertoire. From my mother's secret spaghetti sauce recipe to my aunt's famous apple pie, I had always been eager to learn and expand my cooking skills.

As I gathered the ingredients for the Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The sun dried tomatoes were plump and juicy, the basil leaves fragrant and vibrant. I carefully measured out each ingredient, trusting my instincts and intuition to guide me through the cooking process.

I started by soaking the sun dried tomatoes in warm water to rehydrate them, allowing their natural flavors to come alive. As they softened, I chopped them into small pieces, savoring the sweet and tangy aroma that filled the air. The basil leaves were next, their fresh and earthy scent mingling with the tomatoes in a harmonious dance of flavors.

I added a touch of garlic for depth and complexity, a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness, and a drizzle of olive oil to bring it all together. As I mixed and stirred the ingredients in a bowl, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of sharing this delicious tapenade with my family and friends.

After letting the flavors meld and develop for a few hours, I finally tasted the Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade. The burst of flavors on my palate was nothing short of extraordinary - the sweet and tangy tomatoes, the aromatic basil, the subtle hints of garlic and balsamic vinegar all came together in perfect harmony.

I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special, a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. As I savored each bite of the tapenade, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment.

From my grandmother's old cookbook to my own intuition and creativity, I had learned to trust in the power of good food and good company. The Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade was more than just a recipe - it was a reminder of the joy and love that cooking and sharing food can bring into our lives.

As I wrote down the recipe in my own cookbook, I made a mental note to pass it on to future generations, just as it had been passed down to me. The Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade was a testament to the enduring power of tradition and family, a reminder that the simple act of cooking can create lasting memories and connections that transcend time and space.

And so, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I closed my cookbook and put it back on the shelf, knowing that I had found a recipe that would always hold a special place in my culinary repertoire. The Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Tapenade was more than just a dish - it was a story, a journey, a legacy that would live on in the hearts and minds of those who tasted its delicious flavors.

Categories

| Sauce Recipes | Spanish Recipes |

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