Main ingredient in tapenade nyt crossword clue

The clue "Main ingredient in tapenade" refers to olives, which is the primary component of this Mediterranean spread. ### Solving Process: 1. **Understanding the Clue**: The clue specifies an ingredient, prompting thoughts about ingredients commonly found in tapenade. 2. **Knowledge of Tapenade**: Tapenade is a dish that originates from Provence, France, and is known for being an olive-based condiment, typically made by blending olives with various seasonings and elements such as capers and olive oil. 3. **Elimination of Other Ingredients**: While there are other potential ingredients (like capers or anchovies), olives are the standout and defining ingredient in tapenade. ### Relevant Knowledge Points: - **Type of Dish**: Tapenade is a traditional Mediterranean spread often served as an appetizer. - **Variations**: Although olives are the main ingredient, tapenade can include additional flavors such as herbs (like thyme or rosemary), spices, or nuts, but they do not replace olives. ### Strategic Tips: - **Focus on Specialty Dishes**: Knowing key components of specific dishes can be very helpful. Understanding what goes into popular spreads, sauces, and dishes can give direct answers to similar clues. - **Think Regional**: Many crossword clues hint at regional cuisine. Knowing ingredients associated with certain cultures can help narrow down answers. - **Count Letters**: If you have letters filled in, use the constraints provided by those letters to search for the correct term. In this case, “OLIVES” fits comfortably if there are six spaces. Thus, the answer to the clue "Main ingredient in tapenade" is **"OLIVES."**