Bread with Kalamata olives
Kalamata Olive Bread: a delicious, flavorful, and character-filled recipe
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread? Whether it’s a family meal, a gathering with friends, or simply a personal indulgence evening, Kalamata olive bread is the perfect choice. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, offering an intense taste and a soft texture, thanks to high-quality olives and olive oil. I will guide you step by step to achieve the perfect bread that you will want to repeat again and again.
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 600 g bread flour (do not use sweet bread flour)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 350 ml warm water (approximately, depending on the type of flour)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 100 g pitted Kalamata olives, chopped and well-drained
Step 1: Preparing the yeast
In a cup, add the fresh yeast and fill it with warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes for the yeast to soften. This process is essential as it activates the yeast, helping the dough rise. Stir with a spoon until everything is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour and pour the olive oil on top. The oil will not only add flavor but also help achieve a crunchy crust. Add the yeast-water mixture and the remaining water. Using a spoon, mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous dough. The dough should be soft and easy to mix.
Step 3: Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes. This process helps develop the gluten, which will make the bread fluffier. Using a spatula, scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until the dough doubles in volume.
Step 4: Preparing the olives
In the meantime, place the olives on a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Kalamata olives, with their strong and slightly salty flavor, will add a special taste to the bread.
Step 5: Shaping the bread
Grease a loaf pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Sprinkle flour on the work surface, then transfer the dough onto it. Cover the olives with the dough, sprinkling them well. Using a sharp knife, cut pieces from the dough and coat them in flour, forming balls that you place next to each other in the pan.
Step 6: Second rising
After you’ve finished shaping the balls, brush the top of the bread with olive oil. Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 200°C.
Step 7: Baking the bread
Bake the bread for 45-60 minutes, depending on your oven. It’s important to check the bread after 45 minutes; it should have a golden crust and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Step 8: Cooling the bread
After removing the bread from the oven, transfer it to a wire rack to cool. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Serving suggestions
This Kalamata olive bread is delicious and simple, even served alone. You can slice it and serve it with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refined appetizer. It also pairs perfectly with cheeses, cured meats, or fresh salads.
Tips and variations
If you want to experiment, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for extra flavor. You can also add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or nuts to diversify the recipe.
Nutritional benefits
This olive bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, and olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and heart health benefits.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of water as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
2. How do I keep the bread fresh?
Keep the bread in a cloth bag or a bread box to maintain moisture.
3. Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, after it has completely cooled, you can slice it and freeze it in portions. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Start this culinary adventure and enjoy every step of the cooking process. Every bread you bake is an opportunity to add a piece of your heart into each slice. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 600 g bread flour (not for sweet bread) 25 g fresh yeast 350 ml lukewarm water (approximately, depending on the flour) 4 tablespoons olive oil 100 g pitted Kalamata olives, chopped and well drained
