Homemade Olive Tapenade (Large Batch)

Homemade Olive Tapenade is a savory, briny spread made with a blend of black and green olives, capers, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. This large-batch recipe is perfect for storing in a big Kerr jar, so you can enjoy it for weeks as a snack, appetizer, or condiment. It’s easy to make and adds a burst of Mediterranean flavor to any meal!

Ingredients

• 3 cups pitted Kalamata olives
• 2 cups pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano or Manzanilla)
• 1/2 cup capers, drained and rinsed
• 8 anchovy fillets (optional, but traditional)
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more as needed for storage)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   Rinse and drain the olives and capers. Peel the garlic. If using fresh herbs, remove leaves from stems.
2. Process Tapenade:
   In a large food processor, combine Kalamata olives, green olives, capers, anchovy fillets (if using), garlic, parsley, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and lemon zest. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not a paste. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add Olive Oil:
   With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the tapenade comes together and is spreadable. You may need to add a bit more olive oil for a looser consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice, vinegar, or pepper as desired.
5. Store:
   Transfer the tapenade to a large sterilized Kerr jar (about 1 quart/liter capacity). Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top to help preserve freshness. Seal tightly and refrigerate. The tapenade will keep for up to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon and top with more olive oil after each use to maintain freshness.
6. Serve:
   Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or as a condiment for sandwiches, grilled meats, or vegetables.

If you need a large Kerr jar or want to explore specialty olives, you can find them on Amazon.