Bread with olives and tomatoes
Delicious Olive and Tomato Bread Recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Olive and tomato bread is a savory dish, perfect for accompanying a festive meal or enjoying alongside an appetizer. This recipe combines crunchy textures and intense flavors, resulting in a fragrant bread that can be served warm or cold.
The history of this recipe takes us back to culinary traditions that emphasize fresh and natural ingredients, making it a popular choice in many cultures. Since ancient times, bread has been an essential element of human nutrition, and the addition of ingredients like olives and tomatoes has brought extra flavor and color, transforming a simple recipe into a true feast.
Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 550)
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 50 g olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 150 ml yogurt (preferably natural, unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Oregano (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Olives (salty, preferably green or black, sliced)
- Tomatoes (fresh, well-ripened, sliced)
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the flour is sifted to achieve a finer texture for the dough. The olives should be well-drained, and the tomatoes should be seeded to avoid excess water in the dough.
2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, oregano, and pepper. This mixture will provide a balanced flavor to your bread.
3. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the beaten egg. In another container, dissolve the yeast in a little warm water (about 30-40 ml) and pour the mixture into the well in the flour. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands.
4. Kneading the dough: As the ingredients combine, gradually add the yogurt. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Finally, add the olive oil and continue kneading until it is fully incorporated.
5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. You will notice that the dough will double in volume.
6. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm. Transfer it to a greased baking tray.
7. Adding toppings: Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle salt on its surface. Arrange the slices of tomatoes and olives evenly over the entire surface.
8. Resting the bread: Let the tray sit covered for another 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and activate the flavors.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C with fan) and bake the bread for 25 minutes or until it is golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will be irresistible!
10. Serving: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm, alongside a garlic yogurt dip or a fresh salad, to complete the meal.
Suggestions and variations:
- Cheese variation: You can add diced feta or mozzarella cheese for an extra creaminess.
- Different herbs: Replace oregano with basil or thyme for a different flavor note.
- Whole wheat flour: If you want a healthier version, use whole wheat flour, but adjust the amount of water.
Nutritional benefits:
This olive and tomato bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from olive oil. Tomatoes provide a consistent intake of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. Olives are rich in monounsaturated fats, contributing to a healthy diet.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to use about 25 g.
2. How can I store the bread? The bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
3. Can it be made without yogurt? Yes, you can replace yogurt with milk or water, but yogurt adds a softer and moister texture.
Now that you have all the details, you are ready to try this olive and tomato bread recipe. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the process and share the result with your loved ones! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 500 g flour, 1 packet of dry yeast, 1 egg, 50 g olive oil, 150 ml yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, oregano, pepper, olive oil, olives, tomatoes
