Bread with olives

Delicious Olive Bread Recipe - A Memorable Culinary Experience

Who doesn’t love freshly baked bread with a golden crust and a soft, flavorful crumb? Olive bread is a fantastic choice for any meal, bringing a touch of Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen. This simple and accessible recipe will teach you how to make a delicious bread, perfect for enjoying alongside fine cheese, a tomato sauce, or simply with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 25 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 365 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 620 g wheat flour (ideally type 650 for a fluffier texture)
- 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
- 200 g black olives (preferably pitted, but you can also use whole olives for added texture)

Ingredient details:

- Water: Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast, but not too hot, as it can kill beneficial microorganisms.
- Flour: Type 650 flour is ideal due to its optimal gluten content. If you want a healthier option, you can mix white flour with whole wheat flour.
- Olives: Choose the olives you prefer, but make sure they are of good quality. Black olives add a rich taste and unique aroma.

A bit of history:

Olive bread has deep roots in Mediterranean culinary traditions. It has been prepared over time not only as a staple food but also as a symbol of hospitality. Each slice of olive bread tells a story of community and sharing, and its unmistakable aroma brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Step by step: Your guide to perfect bread

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the lukewarm water and dissolve the dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work.

2. Adding the ingredients: In the same bowl, add the salt and olive oil. Mix well, then gradually add the flour, little by little, to avoid lumps. Mix until the dough is homogeneous.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Adding the olives: Cut the olives into slices or large pieces, depending on your preference. Incorporate them into the dough, kneading gently to distribute them evenly.

5. First rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into 3 equal parts. Shape each piece into slightly long sticks, as you would with baguettes. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rise: Brush each stick with a little olive oil. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 20-25 minutes until they become fluffy.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the bread for 45 minutes, or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

9. Cooling: After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool on a rack. This step is important to avoid a wet texture.

Serving suggestions:

Olive bread pairs wonderfully with crumbled feta cheese, spicy tomato sauce, or a fresh salad. You can also slice it and serve it with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

Possible variations:

- Olive and herb bread: Add aromatic herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for an even more intense flavor.
- Olive and nut bread: Incorporate chopped nuts for a delicious contrast and crunchy texture.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use green olives? Yes, you can use green olives, but the taste will be different. Choose olives based on your preferences.
- What if the dough doesn’t rise? Ensure the yeast is active. If not, you can try activating it with lukewarm water and sugar before adding it to the dough.
- How do I keep the bread fresh? Bread is best stored in a cloth bag or a bread box. You can freeze the bread to keep it fresh longer.

Nutritional benefits:

Olive bread provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. Olives are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, contributing to a balanced diet.

Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the authentic taste of olive bread! This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a true experience that will connect you with the culinary traditions of the community. Each slice will bring a touch of joy and warmth to your home!