Bread with olives

Olive Bread – A Tasty Recipe for Fasting Days

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that brings a touch of flavor to your fasting days, you have come to the right place! This olive bread is not only a fantastic choice for a healthy meal, but also a wonderful way to bring Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen. Inspired by a traditional recipe but with a modern twist, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 600 g white flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet dry yeast (approximately 7 g)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 350 ml lukewarm water
- 120 g sliced black olives (you can also use green olives if you prefer)

Preparing the Dough

1. Sifting the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour to give it an airy texture. Add the dry yeast and salt. It is important not to put the salt directly on the yeast, as it can inhibit the yeast's activity.

2. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the olive oil and lukewarm water. The water should not be hot, but warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it.

3. Mixing: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients. When the dough begins to form, transfer it to a floured work surface.

4. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and slightly soft. If the dough sticks to your hands, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Rising: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Incorporating the Olives

1. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Add the sliced black olives and knead the dough again to evenly incorporate them. You can also use green olives or a combination, depending on your taste.

2. Shaping the bread: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure it is well positioned and even.

Baking

1. Final rising: Let the dough rise in the pan for 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Scoring and baking: Lightly score the surface of the bread with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

3. Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and cover it with a clean towel for a few minutes to retain moisture. Then, let it cool completely on a rack.

Serving Suggestions

The olive bread can be enjoyed warm or cold. It pairs perfectly with a fresh salad, a cheese platter, or as a base for a delicious sandwich. You can also combine it with a flavorful soup or a tomato sauce for a complete meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This bread is not only tasty but also healthy! Olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, beneficial for the heart. Additionally, white flour provides carbohydrates that are a source of energy. A slice of olive bread is an excellent choice for a nourishing breakfast or a snack between meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but keep in mind that the texture and taste will be different. Whole wheat flour may require more water.
- How can I store the bread? The bread stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can try adding herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor. Roasted garlic is also a delicious addition.

Possible Variations

If you want to add a bit of variety, you can experiment with different types of olives or even crumbled feta cheese, which will add a creamy and salty note. You can also sprinkle sesame or cumin seeds on top for a more attractive appearance and a different taste.

In the end, this olive bread is more than just a recipe; it is a cooking experience that will bring you closer to your loved ones around the table. So put on your apron and get ready to enjoy warm, flavorful bread that is, most importantly, filled with love! Enjoy your meal!