Fig And Pomegranate Tapenade Recipes

FIG AND OLIVE TAPENADE

Steps:

• In a medium-sized saucepan, simmer the figs in the water for about 30 minutes, until very tender. Drain, reserving a few tablespoons of the liquid.
• In a food processor or with an immersion blender, pulse the pitted olives, drained figs, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, capers, and fresh rosemary to create a thick paste. Pulse in the olive oil until you've achieved a chunky-smooth paste. Season with black pepper and salt, if necessary. (The spread can be thinned with a bit of the reserved fig poaching liquid.).
• Serve tapenade with slices of baguette or pita triangles that have been lightly brushed with olive oil and perhaps sprinkled with salt and fresh thyme, or a dusting of chili powder, then toasted on a baking sheet in the oven until nice and crisp.

FIG AND OLIVE TAPENADE

Steps:

• Combine figs and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, and liquid has reduced. Remove from heat, and stir in the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and cayenne. Add olives and garlic, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
• Unwrap cream cheese block, and place on a serving platter. Spoon tapenade over cheese, and sprinkle with walnuts. Serve with slices of French bread or crackers.

FIG AND POMEGRANATE TAPENADE

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. Line small baking sheet with foil. Brush foil with olive oil. Lightly brush figs with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Arrange figs, cut side up, on sheet. Broil until figs are lightly browned at edges, about 3 minutes. Cool on baking sheet.
• Combine figs, olives, capers, pomegranate molasses, rosemary, and vinegar in processor. Using on/off turns, coarsely chop figs and olives. With motor running, add remaining 1tablespoon oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Stir in walnuts. Let tapenade stand 2 hours at room temperature to blend flavors. (Can be prepared 5 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
• *A thick pomegranate syrup that's available at Middle Eastern markets and some supermarkets.