French bread

Bread with kaiser, olives, onion, and garlic - an enticing recipe for the bread machine

When it comes to making bread, many of us think of a laborious process, but with the help of a bread machine, everything becomes simple and enjoyable. This recipe will not only fill your home with an inviting aroma but will also provide a uniquely flavored bread, perfect for any meal. Whether you serve it with butter and cheese or alongside a warm soup, each slice will be an explosion of flavors.

Total time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 300 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 tablespoons sugar (this helps activate the yeast and caramelize the crust)
- 520 g white wheat flour (choose a high-quality flour for the best results)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast (make sure it is fresh)
- 100 g kaiser (cut into small cubes for even distribution in the dough)
- 100 g olives (you can use black, green, or a mix of both, finely chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped to add a sweet-sour note)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (crushed or finely chopped, according to preference)

Preparation:
1. Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine. First, put in the lukewarm water, then the salt and sugar. It is important to follow this order to prevent direct contact between salt and yeast, which could inhibit fermentation.
2. Add the white flour, ensuring it completely covers the liquid. The flour will help create a solid structure for the bread.
3. Sprinkle the dry yeast on top of the flour. This step is essential as the yeast will begin to ferment, giving life to your dough.
4. Select the white bread program on your bread machine and press the start button. After about 20 minutes of kneading, the dough will be ready to receive the additional ingredients.
5. At this point, add the cubed kaiser, olives, onion, and garlic. Make sure all these ingredients are finely chopped for even distribution in the dough.
6. Let the machine complete the baking cycle. In the end, you will have bread with a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful crumb.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the olives in olive oil with herbs a day before using them.
- The bread can be served warm, but it is just as delicious cold. You can slice it and store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- This recipe is versatile. You can replace the kaiser with other types of cold cuts, such as ham or salami, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade bread is usually healthier than store-bought, as you can control the ingredients. White flour provides carbohydrates for energy, while kaiser and olives bring proteins and healthy fats. Onion and garlic have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to a balanced diet.

Possible variations:
- You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, to achieve a denser texture and stronger flavor.
- Add fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to enrich the bread's aroma.
- Instead of garlic, you can use dill or parsley, which will offer a fresh and vibrant note.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What type of water should be used?
It is recommended to use lukewarm water, not hot. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, and cold water can slow down the fermentation process.

2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity. One gram of fresh yeast is equivalent to about 0.3-0.4 grams of dry yeast.

3. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
The bread is baked when the crust is golden, and when you tap the bottom lightly, it sounds hollow.

4. What can I do with leftover bread?
You can make croutons or breadcrumbs, or use it in savory pudding recipes.

Combine this delicious bread with a warm vegetable soup or a platter of cheeses and cold cuts for a perfect meal. Try serving it alongside a dry white wine to complete the culinary experience.

In the end, remember that cooking is an art that improves with each attempt. So enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to experiment! Your bread with kaiser, olives, onion, and garlic will surely become a family favorite. Bon appétit!