Bread with olives, potatoes, and roasted red pepper

Olive bread, potatoes, and roasted red pepper - a flavorful delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

This olive bread recipe with potatoes and roasted red pepper is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of originality and flavor to every meal. A perfect combination of ingredients that blends the salty taste of olives with the sweetness of potatoes and the intense aroma of red pepper, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

A brief history of the recipe

Bread has been a staple food in many cultures throughout history. Over time, people have experimented with different ingredients to create unique and delicious variations. This specific recipe combines tradition with innovation, bringing together simple ingredients to create a final product that not only nourishes but also delights the taste buds.

Ingredients

- 1.1 - 1.2 kg white flour (amount varies depending on potato size)
- 2 large potatoes, boiled (approximately 400-500 g)
- 1 small can of pitted black olives
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 large bell pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons of salt
- 50 g melted butter
- 500 ml milk (or warm water)
- 40 g fresh yeast

Step by step: Preparing the bread

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

1. Start by peeling the two large potatoes and boiling them in salted water. Cook until soft (about 20 minutes).
2. Meanwhile, roast the red pepper on the stovetop or on a grill pan until the skin is charred and slightly cracked. This process will enhance the flavor of the pepper. After roasting, place it in a covered bowl for 5 minutes to steam and make it easier to peel. Remove the skin and finely chop the flesh.
3. Drain the olives well and chop them finely as well.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients

1. Once the potatoes are boiled, mash them with a fork until you achieve a smooth puree. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in 100 ml of milk (or warm water) and add the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, potato puree, chopped red pepper, olives, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Start gradually adding the remaining milk, stirring continuously until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

Step 3: Kneading the dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes. It is important to give enough time to this process, as kneading will develop the gluten and help the dough rise beautifully.
2. The dough will be softer than usual, so don't worry; this is normal.

Step 4: Proofing

1. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving fluffy bread.
2. After the dough has risen, transfer it back to the work surface and add a little flour to make it more manageable.

Step 5: Shaping the bread

1. Grease a baking tray with a little butter or oil.
2. Shape the dough into the desired form (you can opt for a long loaf or a round loaf) and place it in the prepared tray.
3. Cover again with a towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 6: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius.
2. Bake the bread for 35 minutes or until golden, and when lightly tapping the bottom, it sounds hollow.
3. After baking, let the bread cool on a rack.

Serving and suggestions

This olive bread with potatoes and roasted red pepper is delicious served warm, alongside a portion of butter or fresh cheese. It is perfect to enjoy in the morning with a cup of coffee or as an accompaniment to soup or salad at lunch. It also adds a special touch to festive meals, being a true delight for guests.

Variations and tips

- You can experiment with different types of olives (green olives or flavored olives) to change the flavors of the bread.
- Adding dried herbs, such as oregano or rosemary, can provide an extra flavor boost.
- If you want a fluffier bread, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or rye flour.
- Instead of milk, you can use water or plant-based milk for a vegan option.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Potatoes add fiber and vitamins, while olives contribute healthy fats and antioxidants. A slice of bread (approximately 100 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a healthy choice for a snack or accompaniment, as long as it is consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. About 14 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 40 g of fresh yeast.

2. Why is it important to let the dough rise?
Proofing allows the yeast to produce carbon dioxide, which helps the dough rise and become fluffy.

3. Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, this bread can be easily frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it well in aluminum foil or freezer bags.

4. How can I check if the bread is baked correctly?
A good method is to lightly tap the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it is ready.

Conclusion

This olive bread recipe with potatoes and roasted red pepper is not just a simple dish, but a culinary experience that brings together extraordinary flavors and textures. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and let your creativity shine. Whether you serve it at a family meal or give it as a gift to friends, you can be sure it will be appreciated. Enjoy your meal!