Black bread with olives

Black Bread with Olives: A Flavorful Delicacy for Any Meal

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Black bread with olives is a wonderful choice for those who appreciate complex flavors and rich textures. This recipe not only offers a delicious aroma but also a satisfying experience during preparation. Besides being a perfect accompaniment to a meal, it can also be the star of a brunch or picnic, paired with fine cheese or a fresh salad.

A Brief History of Olive Bread

Bread has been a staple food throughout history, with an immense variety of recipes developed according to local ingredients and traditions. Olives, in particular, have been used since ancient times to add flavor and texture to foods, and the combination with black bread has become a favorite. This recipe blends tradition with innovation, offering bread that is not only healthy but also full of flavor.

Necessary Ingredients

- 150 ml lukewarm water
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 400 g black flour (preferably whole wheat for a deeper taste)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 100 g olives (preferably green or black, pitted)

Step by Step for Perfect Bread

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the water is lukewarm, but not hot, so as not to kill the yeast. You can use a thermometer to check the ideal temperature, which should be around 40-45 degrees Celsius.

2. Activating the Yeast
In a large bowl, place half of the flour. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixed with the sugar. This will feed the yeast, helping it to activate. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

3. Adding the Other Ingredients
Add the salt and olive oil over the yeast mixture. Mix well, then start gradually incorporating the rest of the flour. When the mixture becomes thicker, add the olives cut into small pieces.

4. Kneading
Transfer the dough to a clean work surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Caring for the Dough
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential, as the yeast will do all the magic, puffing up the dough and giving it an airy texture.

6. Shaping and Baking
Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and shape it into the desired form. You can choose to put it in bread pans or shape it into smaller loaves. Place the dough in greased trays and let it rise for another 15 minutes.

7. Preparing the Oven
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Before placing the bread to bake, you can lightly score the top with a sharp knife to allow it to expand evenly during baking.

8. Baking
Bake the bread for 40 minutes or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom. A trick to check if the bread is baked is to remove it from the pan and turn it upside down; if it sounds hollow, it's ready.

9. Cooling and Serving
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will help set the texture and prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Choosing the Flour: Black flour from whole wheat offers a richer taste and superior nutritional value. You can experiment with flour blends, adding some white flour to achieve a lighter texture.

- Types of Olives: Green olives add a more pronounced flavor, while black olives provide a sweeter note. You can also try adding other ingredients, such as herbs, seeds, or nuts to diversify the recipe.

- Serving: This bread pairs perfectly with cheeses, olive oil for dipping, or various dips. It is ideal for accompanying a warm soup or fresh salad.

Nutritional Benefits

Black bread is a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. Olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, having beneficial effects on the heart and cardiovascular system.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can it be frozen? Yes, the bread can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped in aluminum foil or freezer bags to prevent drying out.

- How can I tell if the bread is baked? You can check if the bread is baked by the tapping method. If it sounds hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom, it's ready.

- Can I use fresh yeast? Of course! You can substitute dry yeast with fresh yeast, taking care to adjust the quantity. Usually, 25 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of dry yeast.

Black bread with olives is more than just food; it is a cooking experience that can bring joy every day. I wish you much success in preparing this recipe and hope you enjoy every delicious slice!