Bread with olives

Olive Bread - A Savory Culinary Experience

Who doesn't love a warm, steaming bread that brings Mediterranean flavors straight into your kitchen? Olive bread is a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of refinement to their meals. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, and the final result will surely impress anyone who tastes it. Get ready to amaze your family and friends with this olive bread recipe!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour (choose type 650 for a lighter texture)
- 10 g fresh yeast (or 3 g dry yeast)
- 1 cup (about 250 ml) warm water (not hot, but lukewarm, to activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to feed the yeast)
- 200 g green or black olives, sliced (preferably pitted)
- 6-7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for a rich and aromatic flavor)

A bit of history

Olive bread has a rich history in kitchens around the world. Olives are believed to have been cultivated for thousands of years, and their combination with bread quickly became a symbol of conviviality. This recipe is often associated with family meals, where freshly baked bread is shared, bringing people together. It is a symbol of hospitality and joy.

Step by step for a perfect olive bread

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help activate the yeast and achieve a better texture. Olive oil can add a distinctive flavor, so opt for a high-quality one.

2. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water with salt and sugar. Add the yeast and gently stir until completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

3. Forming the dough: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing constantly with a wooden spoon or by hand. Continue adding flour until you achieve a smooth dough. It is important not to add all the flour at once to avoid lumps.

4. Incorporating the oil: Once the dough begins to form, gradually add a tablespoon of olive oil, kneading continuously. This will add extra flavor and make the dough more elastic.

5. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but don't overdo it, as bread that is too dry won't taste as good.

6. First rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 25-30 minutes until it doubles in size.

7. Adding the olives: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Spread the sliced olives evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Then, carefully roll it up, forming a tight log, like a cake.

8. Second rising: Place the dough log in a greased baking pan, cover it again, and let it rise for 20-25 minutes.

9. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Beat an egg white and brush it over the bread to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

10. Baking: Bake the bread for 35-45 minutes, or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. It is important to check the bread in the last 10 minutes to avoid burning.

11. Cooling: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This will help maintain a crispy crust.

Serving

Olive bread is delicious warm, but you can also enjoy it cold. You can serve it alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an elegant appetizer or as a side dish to a meal with fish or meat. It is also wonderful alongside a soup or a fresh salad.

Interesting variations

To customize this recipe, you can try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. You can also use different types of olives (green, black, spiced) to achieve a diverse flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Olive bread is not only tasty but also healthy. Olives are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy fats, which help maintain heart health. Additionally, this bread contains complex carbohydrates from flour, providing sustainable energy.

Frequently asked questions

1. What type of olives should I choose?
Green olives provide a milder taste, while black olives are sweeter. Choose what you prefer!

2. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use an amount of about 3 g.

3. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
Tap lightly on the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it is baked. Also, the crust should be golden.

4. Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread after it has completely cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Olive bread is an easy-to-make recipe that promises to be a real delight for any occasion. Its unmistakable aroma and fluffy texture make it ideal for enjoying in the company of loved ones. So, put on your apron and let your creativity flow in the kitchen!