Pasta Elias: Olive Paste Spread With Garlic (Tapenade)

In Greek: πάστα ελιάς, pronounced PAH-stah el-YAHS

Olives are a staple of Mediterranean cooking, therefore it is no surprise that some dishes exist in more than one country in different variations and under different names. This Greek-style olive spread, called pasta elias, is similar to French tapenade from Provence. Unlike tapenade, however, which is made with anchovies, this Greek appetizer is vegan.

The basic ingredients are black olives, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice or vinegar for tanginess. Some recipes also include capers and dried herbs, such as oregano, rosemary, or thyme.

The olives to use for this dish are Kalamata olives. They are less salty than the standard black supermarket olives in a jar. What sets Kalamata olives apart from other black olives is their rich, fruity taste, and their meaty texture, which is ideal for a spread.

For a variation of the traditional recipe, you can also use green olives. But just like for Kalamata, chose a variety that has a meaty texture and rich flavor.

Because it's a no-cook recipe that takes a cinch to prepare and can be made ahead, it is great for a party. Spreading it on bread, rusks, or crackers to nibble with ouzo or wine is the obvious way to serve this but there are many other ways how you can enjoy it. Make it part of a meze or a cheese and charcuterie board. You can also serve it as a dip for breadsticks or raw vegetable sticks, or tuck it into a sandwich as a flavorful vegan mayo substitute. Brushed on toasted bread and topped with capers and tomatoes, it makes a delicious bruschetta. Served as a condiment with grilled chicken or fish or roasted vegetables is an easy way to add lots of flavor to simple dishes. You can also toss it with a bowl of hot pasta, similar to the way you'd use pesto.

Store leftovers in the fridge and use within one week. Let it come to room temperature before serving so it can develop its full flavor and the olive oil, which may have hardened in the fridge, becomes soft again.