Kalamata Olive Tapenade Food

CAULIFLOWER STEAKS WITH KALAMATA OLIVE AND RED PEPPER TAPENADE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the tapenade: In a food processor, combine the olives, red peppers, raisins, capers, parsley, orange zest, tarragon and black pepper. Pulse six or seven times, just until roughly chopped. Pour in the olive oil and pulse 2 or 3 times to incorporate; the mixture should have the consistency of a coarse puree. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the cauliflower steaks: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
• Remove the green outer leaves from the cauliflower heads, leaving the cores intact. Set the cauliflowers on their base and halve them vertically (a serrated knife works well for this). Then slice each half, vertically again, into 1-inch steaks; the core will hold them together. You should end up with four nice steaks; reserve the ends for another use.
• Generously coat the steaks on both sides with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the steaks for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and well-marked. Remove to a foil-lined baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan, panko, parsley, garlic and pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the breading on top of the cauliflower steaks and drizzle with some olive oil. Transfer to the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve the steaks topped with spoonfuls of the tapenade.

PASTA WITH KALAMATA OLIVE TAPENADE, FETA, AND CHOPPED TOMATO

Steps:

• Bring a lg. pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta to the water, and cook until al dente, following the suggested cooking time on the box.
• While the pasta cooks, put the olives, olive oil, garlic, parsley, capers, lemon juice, and oregano in a food processor fitted with the metal blade.
• Turning the machine on and off rapidly, pulse the ingredients a few times, then scrape down the work bowl, and process continuously until the mixture forms a coarse but uniform paste.
• As soon as the pasta is done, drain it, and immediately toss with the tapenade, and 1/2 of the Feta and 1/2 of the tomatoes.
• Top with the remaining Feta and tomatoes, and serve immediately.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND KALAMATA OLIVE TAPENADE

Steps:

• Place first 8 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down sides. Add parsley, and pulse 8 to 10 times or until minced.
• Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

KALAMATA OLIVE TAPENADE (SPREAD OR DIP)

Steps:

• Add garlic to food processor, blend until minced. Add remaining ingredients except olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil slowly while the blade is running.
• Adjust ingredients to your liking - Additional pine nuts, parsley or pitted canned black olives will make it less salty and intense in flavor, while additional oil will increase the creaminess. You can also use other fresh herbs such as sage or basil.
• Serve at room temperature.