tapenade. Proof positive that simple can be wonderful

I promised I would put this Alice waters recipe (if you can call it a recipe, it's more of an assembly than a recipe) on the blog.

Ingredients

70gms pitted black olives
1 clove Garlic
4 Anchovy fillets (preferably salt-packed anchovies that you have washed and drained. If not use tinned, drain off the oil and pat them dry but don't tell Alice!)
1 tablespoon Capers (drained well)
extra virgin olive oil
a little chopped fresh thyme leaves

Directions

There are no measures for this, it's about tasting, and trusting what you like.
Chop the olives coarsely by hand.
Chop the garlic very finely, or pound to a puree in a pestle and mortar and add to the olives.
Chop the anchovies and add to the mixture.
Chop the capers. Add some to the mix,now the thyme then taste. Do you need more of anything? Add some, taste again. Do you need to balance out the flavour with garlic or anchovies? After all it's your tapenade.
When you are satisfied, add a squeeze of lemon juice and taste. Add more if it needs it.
Now add the olive oil and stir, until you have a smooth consistency. Not too smooth you want some texture.

let sit for 30 mins for the flavours to mingle

Drizzle your slices of Ciabatta with a little oil and bake in the oven for approx ten minutes. Now spread with the tapenade and serve

Comments

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