Bread with olives

Olive Bread: A Simple Recipe for a Homemade Delight

Welcome to the world of cooking, where flavors intertwine with tradition and creativity! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious olive bread, a simple and quick recipe perfect for any occasion. This bread is ideal to be served alongside a cheese platter, a fresh salad, or even as a base for tasty sandwiches.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1.5 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Necessary ingredients

- 750 g wheat flour
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 600 ml lukewarm water (not hot)
- 100 g sliced black olives
- 100 g sliced green olives

Recipe history

Olive bread is a popular dish in many cultures, often associated with festive meals and special occasions. The olives add not only a distinct taste but also a wonderful texture to the dough, transforming an ordinary bread into a true delight. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and an invitation to Mediterranean savors.

Preliminaries

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help activate the yeast and ensure even fermentation. It is also important to use a large bowl, as the dough will rise significantly.

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt in the flour. In another container, dissolve the yeast in 100 ml of the 600 ml of lukewarm water. Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

2. Mixing the ingredients
Add the yeast water to the flour, along with the remaining water. Incorporate the sliced olives into the flour and water mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix vigorously. Do not knead with your hands! The dough will be soft and sticky, and mixing with the spoon will help develop the gluten without making it too compact.

3. Fermentation
Sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in a warm spot, away from drafts, to ferment for 1.5 hours. If the room temperature is cooler, you can let the dough rise a little longer. You will know it is ready when the dough becomes frothy and full of air bubbles.

4. Preheating the oven
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 240-250 degrees Celsius. Use a covered baking dish; this will help retain moisture and create a crispy crust.

5. Baking the bread
After the dough has risen, take the dish out of the oven and, using a spoon, loosen the dough from the bowl. Carefully pour the dough into the hot dish. Cover with the lid and bake for 40-50 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and reduce the oven temperature to 180-200 degrees. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes.

6. Checking the baking
The bread is done when, if you tap the bottom lightly, it sounds hollow. If in doubt, you can leave the bread a few more minutes on the oven rack.

7. Cooling and serving
Remove the bread from the dish and let it cool on a rack. It is wonderful served warm, alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar or as an accompaniment to fine cheeses.

Practical tips

- About yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best results. If you don’t have it, you can use dry yeast, but the amount will be smaller (about 10 g).
- Olives: You can experiment with different types of olives - green olives provide a tangier taste, while black ones are sweeter.
- Variations: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. You can also replace some of the water with milk for a fluffier texture.

Pairings and serving

Olive bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from soups to salads and appetizer platters. You can enjoy it alongside a glass of dry white wine or craft beer. Another idea is to serve it with fresh tomato sauce or hummus for a delicious appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why should I use a covered baking dish?
The covered dish helps retain moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy crust and fluffy crumb.

2. How long can this bread be stored?
The bread keeps best in a cotton bag or an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

3. Can I use something else instead of olives?
Yes! You can try adding sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even feta cheese for an interesting twist.

Conclusion

Making this olive bread is not only a relaxing and enjoyable activity but also an excellent way to bring a touch of joy to your table. With its unmistakable aroma and perfect texture, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!