Sta je tapenada? (What is tapenade?)

Tapenada je tradicionalni mediteranski namaz poreklom iz Provanse (jug Francuske). Pravi se od maslina, najčešće crnih, uz dodatak kapara, maslinovog ulja i često inćuna. Naziv potiče od provansalske reči tapeno, što znači kapar.

Osnovni sastav tapenade:

1. Crne ili zelene masline bez koštica

2. Kapari

3. Maslinovo ulje

4. Inćuni (tradicionalno, ali opciono)

5. Beli luk

6. Limunov sok ili sirće

7. Sveže ili suvo bilje (najčešće timijan, ruzmarin)

Kakav je ukus?

Tapenada ima intenzivan, slano-pikantan i dubok umami ukus. Kombinuje slanost maslina i kapara sa aromom maslinovog ulja i bilja.

Kako se koristi?

- Kao namaz na hlebu, bruskete ili krekerima

- Kao dodatak uz pečeno povrće

- Uz ribu ili belo meso

- Kao začin za testeninu ili sos

- Kao deo meze ili antipasti tanjira

Varijacije:

- Tapenada od zelenih maslina (blaža i svežija)

- Veganska tapenada bez inćuna

- Tapenada sa sušenim paradajzom

- Tapenada sa orasima ili bademima

Nutritivno (ukratko)

- Bogata je zdravim mastima iz maslinovog ulja

- Sadrži antioksidanse iz maslina

- Prirodno je slana pa se koristi u malim količinama

Tapenade is a traditional Mediterranean spread originating from Provence (South of France). It is made from olives, usually black, with the addition of capers, olive oil and often anchovies. The name comes from the Provençal word tapeno, which means caper.

Basic composition of tapenade:

1. Black or green pitted olives

2. Capers

3. Olive oil

4. Anchovies (traditional, but optional)

5. Garlic

6. Lemon juice or vinegar

7. Fresh or dry herbs (most often thyme, rosemary)

How does it taste?

Tapenade has an intense, salty-spicy and deep umami taste. It combines the saltiness of olives and capers with the aroma of olive oil and herbs.

How is it used?

- As a spread on bread, bruschetta or crackers

- As an addition to roasted vegetables

- With fish or white meat -  chicken breasts

- As a seasoning for pasta or sauce

- As part of a mezze or antipasti plate

Variations:

- Green olive tapenade (milder and fresher)

- Vegan tapenade without anchovies

- Tapenade with dried tomatoes

- Tapenade with walnuts or almonds

Nutritional (briefly)

- It is rich in healthy fats from olive oil

- Contains antioxidants from olives

- It is naturally salty, so it is used in small quantities