Bread with potatoes, cheese, and olives

Potato bread with cheese and olives for Santa Claus

Introduction

Potato bread with cheese and olives is a dish that brings a touch of magic to every meal, especially during the holiday season. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple, perfect for preparing together with loved ones. The origins of this recipe are lost in the mists of time, but its essence remains constant: a dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, or alongside a fresh salad, this bread will surely become everyone's favorite.

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

Necessary ingredients

- 1 large potato (approximately 200 g)
- Water (enough to cover the potato)
- 150 ml milk
- 50 ml olive oil
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 150 g grated cheese
- 100 g green or black olives (optional, but recommended for an intense flavor)

Useful tips for ingredients

- The potato: Choose a firm potato without spots. Sweet potato adds an interesting note, but the classic one works perfectly.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil will add a rich flavor. You can experiment with herb-infused oil for an extra touch of taste.
- The cheese: Use a well-melting cheese, such as mozzarella or a smoked cheese for a distinct flavor.
- The olives: Olives add a salty and umami note, but if you don't like them, you can omit them.

Step by step

1. Preparing the potato
Peel the potato and cut it into cubes. Wash it well and boil it in a pot of water, adding a teaspoon of salt. Boil until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water, but keep a little for later use.

2. Preparing the starter
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small container (without boiling!). In a bowl, rub the yeast with the sugar until it becomes liquid. Add the warm milk and a handful of flour (about 50 g). Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. Let the starter rise in a warm place, covered, until it doubles in volume, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Preparing the dough
Mash the boiled potato with a blender, adding a little of the cooking water to obtain a smooth puree. Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to the puree. In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the potato puree and the risen starter. Mix with a spatula, gathering the flour from the edges until all the ingredients come together.

4. Kneading the dough
Turn the dough onto a floured work surface. Knead gently, adding flour if necessary, until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. Finally, add the remaining olive oil, kneading until the dough fully absorbs it.

5. Rising the dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 30 minutes).

6. Shaping the bread
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the entire surface, and if using olives, add them now. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and place it in a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rise
Let the dough rise again in the pan, covered, until it doubles in volume (about 20-30 minutes). Before baking, lightly score the surface with a sharp knife.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the bread for 40 minutes or until golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Five minutes before removing it, sprinkle a little grated cheese and caraway seeds for a special flavor.

9. Serving
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it warm, plain, or with butter. It pairs perfectly with a warm soup or a fresh salad.

Possible variations

- You can add dried herbs to the dough, such as oregano or thyme, for an extra flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a heartier version.
- For a spicy taste, add some finely chopped chili peppers to the dough mixture.

Nutritional information

Potato bread offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates from flour and potatoes, protein from cheese, and healthy fats from olive oil. Each serving (approximately 100 g) contains about 250 calories, making it an excellent choice for a snack or a healthy lunch.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 10 g.

2. How can I keep the bread fresh?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for longer shelf life.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using plant-based milk and omitting the cheese or replacing it with a vegan alternative.

Potato bread with cheese and olives is a recipe that brings together tradition and innovation. Whether you prepare it for Santa Claus or for a family meal, it will surely impress everyone. Enjoy!