Michael Davis
Mushroom tapenade is a vegan and gluten-free dip or spread made from a handful of ingredients, including mushrooms, olives, capers, and garlic. It can be served as an appetizer, a canapé, or a topping for bruschetta or pasta. The tapenade can also be used as a dip for nachos or crunchy vegetables. The recipe is simple and can be made in a food processor or blender, although some recommend using a mortar and pestle to avoid a mushy consistency. The name tapenade comes from the French Provencal word for capers, tapen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, garlic, thyme, parsley, lemon, olive oil, olives, capers, salt, pepper, vinegar |
| Types of Mushrooms | Cremini, Chestnut, White, Dried Wild, Shitake, Porcini, Button |
| Preparation | Fry, bake, blend, pulse, chop, pound |
| Serving Suggestions | Spread, dip, canapé, bruschetta, pasta, salad dressing, chicken stuffing |
| Storage | Covered in the fridge for up to 4 days |
| Calories | 118kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and preparation
Mushroom tapenade is a vegan and gluten-free dish that can be used as a spread, dip, or canapé topping. It is made using mushrooms as its base ingredient, along with other ingredients such as garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. The tapenade can be made with a variety of mushrooms, including button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, or a mix of different mushrooms for a more robust flavour.
To prepare the tapenade, the mushrooms are rinsed and dried, then placed on a baking sheet with peeled garlic cloves, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and drizzled with olive oil. The mushrooms are then roasted in the oven for around 30 minutes. After roasting, the mushrooms are cooled, then placed in a food processor along with the remaining ingredients: olives, capers, vinegar, lime juice, and fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. The tapenade is then pulsed in the food processor to the desired consistency, which can range from a fine paste to a chunkier texture.
Some recipes suggest pan-frying the mushrooms instead of roasting them, and others recommend adding ingredients like walnuts or wine to the dish. The tapenade can be served in a variety of ways, including on toast, crackers, bruschetta, or stirred into pasta, soups, or casseroles. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to four days.
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Serving suggestions
Mushroom tapenade is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this tasty treat:
As a Dip
Mushroom tapenade makes an excellent dip for crackers, chips, or crunchy vegetable sticks. It's perfect for parties or as an appetizer, and your guests will love the rich, savoury flavour. For a heartier dip, serve it with nachos on the side. You can also use it as a spread on sandwiches or toast, adding a fancy touch to your everyday meals.
Canapés and Starters
The tapenade is an elegant choice for canapés. Try spreading it on bruschetta, with or without goat's cheese. You can also use it as a topping for puff pastry pinwheel canapes. It's a great way to impress your guests with a simple, yet sophisticated treat.
Stuffing
Use mushroom tapenade as a stuffing for chicken or other meats. It adds a burst of flavour and keeps the meat moist and juicy.
Salad Dressing
Thinned out with olive oil and a touch of vinegar, the tapenade transforms into a savoury salad dressing. Drizzle it over your favourite greens for a unique and tasty twist.
Pasta, Soups, and Casseroles
Add a spoonful of mushroom tapenade to your pasta, soups, or casseroles for an extra punch of flavour. It blends seamlessly with other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Appetizer
Serve the tapenade as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre. It's a great way to whet your guests' appetites before the main course. Present it in a small bowl with a garnish of lemon zest and chopped parsley, and perhaps some crackers or bread on the side for dipping.
With its versatility and depth of flavour, mushroom tapenade is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a dip, spread, or stuffing, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special touch to your everyday meals.
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Variations
Mushroom tapenade is a versatile dish that can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for variations:
Omit the Olives
While olives are a traditional ingredient in tapenade, they can be left out for those who don't enjoy their strong flavour. In this case, you might not want to call your spread a tapenade, but it can still be a delicious mushroom-based dip or condiment.
Anchovies
Tapenade is a flexible dish that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs. For non-vegetarian and non-vegan versions, you can add anchovies.
Different Mushrooms
You can experiment with different types of mushrooms to find your preferred flavour and texture. Fresh Cremini, Chestnut, or common white mushrooms are all the same variety with different names, but each will impart a unique taste. You can also use dried wild mushrooms, such as shiitake or porcini, or a mix of different mushrooms for a more complex flavour.
Nuts
Walnuts are a tasty addition to mushroom tapenade, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
Herbs
While parsley and thyme are traditional herb choices for tapenade, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary to add your unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Mushroom tapenade is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. While it is commonly spread on bread or crackers, it can also be used as a dip for crunchy vegetables, stirred into pasta or rice, added to soups or casseroles for extra flavour, or even used as a stuffing for chicken or vegetables.
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Storage
Mushroom tapenade is a delicious dip made with rich mushrooms, tangy olives, and capers. It is perfect for canapes and parties. You can make it ahead of time and store it for later use. Here are some tips for storing mushroom tapenade:
Refrigeration
You can store mushroom tapenade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place it in a covered container to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. This method ensures that you have a ready-to-serve tapenade for unexpected guests or last-minute party plans.
Freezing
If you want to store mushroom tapenade for more extended periods, freezing is an excellent option. You can freeze the tapenade for up to 3 months. It is advisable to freeze it in small portions or blocks so that you can conveniently thaw and use the required amount.
Olive Oil Preservation
Before storing mushroom tapenade in the refrigerator, you can preserve it by covering it with a thin layer of olive oil. This preservation technique not only helps to extend the tapenade's freshness but also adds to its flavour and texture.
When storing mushroom tapenade, it is essential to use suitable storage containers. Opt for airtight containers that can effectively seal in the flavours and prevent oxidation. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are an excellent choice for maintaining the quality of the tapenade.
Maintain a consistent storage temperature for the mushroom tapenade. Fluctuations in temperature can affect the texture and flavour of the tapenade. Ensure that your refrigerator is set to the appropriate temperature setting to keep the tapenade fresh and edible.
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Nutritional information
Mushroom tapenade is a delicious, creamy, and flavourful vegan appetizer that is incredibly healthy. It is a Mediterranean spread from Provence, the southern region in France. It is often made with a mixture of dried wild mushrooms, such as shiitake, porcini, or cremini, and green, black, or Kalamata olives. Capers, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley are also added to the tapenade.
The nutritional information for mushroom tapenade, per serving, is as follows:
- Calories: 588kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 1565mg
- Potassium: 2463mg
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 15g
- Vitamin A: 846IU
- Vitamin C: 19mg
- Calcium: 107mg
- Iron: 4mg
Mushroom tapenade can be served warm or at room temperature with toasted pita chips, crostini, or bread. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches, pizzas, or as a topping for pasta, soups, or sauces. It is a versatile and nutritious appetizer that can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tapenade is a vegan and gluten-free dip or spread made with mushrooms, olives, capers, and garlic. It can be served as an appetizer, as a canapé, or used as a pasta sauce.
You will need mushrooms, garlic, capers, and olives. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
First, rinse and dry the mushrooms, then fry them with garlic and olive oil. Next, add the mixture to a food processor with the remaining ingredients and pulse until blended but still slightly chunky.
Mushroom tapenade can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To preserve it for longer, cover it with a thin layer of olive oil.
