Festive Mediterranean spread of black olives, capers, herbs, and anchovies served on crunchy crostini.
# What You Need:
→ Black Olive Tapenade
01 - 2 cups pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise preferred)
02 - 2 tablespoons capers, drained
03 - 4 anchovy fillets in oil, drained (optional for vegetarian; omit for vegan)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Crostini
10 - 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
11 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 1 garlic clove, halved (for rubbing)
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
03 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp; remove and rub the top of each slice with the halved garlic clove. Set aside to cool.
04 - In a food processor, combine olives, capers, anchovies (if using), garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and thyme; pulse until coarsely chopped.
05 - With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil slowly until a coarse paste forms; scrape sides as needed.
06 - Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust lemon juice to taste.
07 - Transfer tapenade to a serving bowl and accompany with prepared crostini.
