How to Make Provencal Olive Tapenades
Appetizer · Provencal Recipes · TasteLate fall is typically when the olive harvest takes place in Provence. The fruit is left on the trees as long as possible to maximize production of the golden nectar, but not long enough to risk a frost. Read more about “Extra Virgin Oil an Olive Legend” here.
The Provence Gourmet shares his recipe for two simple tapenades using green and black olives. If you are interested in cooking classes and learning some traditional Provencal meals, contact Gilles (Provence Gourmet) to join his classes.
Image Credits: All photos were provided by and published with the permission of Provence Gourmet

Green and Black Olive Tapenades
Two easy recipes for tapenades -- one green and one black
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8-10 oz green olives
- 8-10 oz black olives
- 4 small anchovy fillets
- 1 can white tuna in water, drained
- 3 tsp capers
- 1 bunch fresh basil washed
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 3/4 oz pine nuts
- 1 1/3 oz olive oil
- 1 baguette
- pepper to taste
Instructions
To Prepare Black Olive Tapenade
- Remove the pits from your olives.
- Taste one of the olives, if you find them too salty then soak in water for an hour. Drain the water and continue the the next steps.
- In a food processor, add the anchovies, olives, half a can of tuna, 2 teaspoons of capers, pine nuts, 25ml of olive oil, a handful of fresh basil, a garlic clove, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well. If your concoction does not mix well, add a little olive oil to smooth out the paste.
- Slice and grill the baguette.
- Spread the black olive tapenade on grilled slices of bread and serve as a snack, with drinks, or with the seasoned lettuce topped with grilled sunflower seeds for a starter course.
To Prepare the Green Olive Tapenade
- Remove the pits from your olives.
- Taste one of the olives, if you find them too salty then soak in water for an hour. Drain the water and continue the the next steps.
- In a food processor, add the grilled pine seeds, the olives, half a can of tuna, 1 teaspoon of capers, 25ml of olive oil, a handful of fresh basil, and pepper.
- Pulse the ingredients in your food processor, if it does not mix well, add a little olive oil.
- Spread the green olive tapenade on grilled slices of bread and serve on its own as a snack, with drinks, or with the seasoned lettuce topped with grilled sunflower seeds for a starter course.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Additional Olive Recipes:
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Fougasse with Tomatoes, Olives, and Peppers
This fougasse is rich and savory, almost a meal in and of itself. Pair with a more structured, but dry rosé for a perfect aperitif.
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