If you're looking to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen, olive tapenade and pesto are two classic options that are sure to please your taste buds. Both dishes are packed with flavor and can be easily preserved through canning, allowing you to enjoy them year-round.
Olive tapenade is a delicious spread made from black or green olives, capers, garlic, and herbs. It's a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways - spread it on toast, crackers, or sandwiches, or stir it into pasta or salad for an extra burst of flavor. Canning olive tapenade is a great way to ensure you always have a jar on hand for impromptu gatherings or quick meals.
Pesto, on the other hand, is a vibrant sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It's perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over grilled meats or vegetables. Canning pesto allows you to capture the fresh, summery flavors of basil and enjoy them throughout the year. With a few jars of homemade pesto in your pantry, you'll always be ready to whip up a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before you start your Mediterranean canning adventure, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Here's a list of what you'll need:
Olive Tapenade:
- 2 cups pitted black olives
- 1/4 cup capers
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start canning your delicious olive tapenade and pesto!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Olive Tapenade Recipe
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted green olives, 1/4 cup capers, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley.
Instructions:
2. Pesto Recipe
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
Tips for Enjoying Your Homemade Creations
2. Get Creative: Don't be afraid to get creative with your homemade creations! Experiment with different ingredients and spices to customize the flavors of the tapenade and pesto to your liking. You can also try using different types of olives or herbs to create unique variations.
3. Pair with Complementary Foods: To fully enjoy your homemade olive tapenade and pesto, pair them with complementary foods. Serve the tapenade with crackers or fresh bread, or use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. Pesto is delicious tossed with pasta, spread on grilled chicken or fish, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
4. Share with Friends and Family: Homemade creations are always best enjoyed when shared with loved ones. Consider hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner party and serve your olive tapenade and pesto recipes as appetizers or main dishes. Your guests are sure to be impressed!
