Bread with olives and more

Olive and Seed Bread - a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house with warmth and comfort? This olive and seed bread recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, with its ingredients blending perfectly into a soft and fluffy texture. Additionally, it is an ideal recipe for those looking to try their baking skills in their own kitchen.

What makes this bread so special? The olives add a salty note and a deep flavor, while the sesame and poppy seeds perfectly complement each slice. Moreover, this recipe can be easily adapted, meaning you don't have to limit yourself to olives - you can also add other favorite ingredients, such as herbs or caramelized onions.

Ingredients

- 300 g white flour
- 200 g wholemeal flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea, non-iodized)
- 300-350 ml lukewarm water
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sliced olives (or to taste)
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other seeds of choice

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. It is essential to have everything at hand so you can work efficiently. Use quality flour and fresh olives for an authentic taste.

2. Mixing the flours: In a large bowl, combine the white flour, wholemeal flour, and salt. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed.

3. Activating the yeast: In a cup, mix the fresh yeast with the brown sugar. This step will activate the yeast, helping the dough rise. Add a little lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and a tablespoon of flour, mixing well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

4. Forming the dough: Make a "well" in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the olive oil and lukewarm water, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

5. Rising the dough: Grease the surface of the dough with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place (for example, near a radiator or in a turned-off but warm oven).

6. Adding additional ingredients: Once the dough has risen, add the olives and desired seeds. Knead gently to incorporate them evenly into the dough.

7. Shaping the bread: Shape the dough into the desired form (for example, a round loaf or a baguette) and place it in a baking tray lined with greased parchment paper or directly in a greased and floured tray.

8. Final rise: Brush the surface of the bread with a little olive oil and sprinkle sesame and poppy seeds on top. Using a sharp knife, make 3 diagonal slashes in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking. Let the bread rest for 20 minutes.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C with fan) and bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Another way to check if the bread is baked is to insert a thermometer in the center - the internal temperature should be around 90°C.

10. Cooling the bread: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is essential to allow steam to escape, keeping the inside fluffy.

Serving suggestions

This olive bread pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. It can be served warm alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a delicious appetizer. It’s also wonderful with cheese, cold cuts, or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget that it can also be enjoyed plain, with salted butter, which will enhance the flavors.

Recipe variations

- Ingredient substitutions: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour, for a different texture. Additionally, olives can be replaced with sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for a sweeter version.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

Calories and nutritional benefits

Olive and seed bread offers numerous nutritional benefits. The wholemeal flour used in the recipe contains fiber that aids digestion, while olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. A slice of this bread has about 150-200 calories, depending on the additional ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- What type of yeast can I use? You can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and follow the same steps for activation.
- How can I keep the bread fresh? The bread keeps best in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
- Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely! Add nuts, sunflower seeds, or feta cheese to vary the taste.

This olive and seed bread recipe is not only a delicious choice but also an opportunity to connect with home cooking traditions. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply every day, a slice of this freshly baked bread will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Try it and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!