Whole grain bread with olives and flax seeds
Whole grain bread with olives and flaxseeds
When it comes to cooking, there's nothing more satisfying than the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house with warm and comforting aromas. Whole grain bread with olives and flaxseeds is an excellent choice for those who want to combine health with flavor. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for an energizing breakfast or a delicious snack. Moreover, making it at home gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring that you get authentic bread without additives or colorants.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-40 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Ingredients:
- 200 ml warm water (about 37-40°C)
- 600-700 g whole grain flour (preferably organic, without additives)
- 100 g pitted olives, sliced (you can use green or black olives, according to preference)
- 1 teaspoon flaxseeds (helps digestion and adds a subtle flavor)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon wheat flakes (optional, for extra texture)
Preparation:
1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing the fresh yeast in warm water, adding the teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the whole grain flour to aerate it. Add the salt and mix well. You can use whole wheat flour or a combination with other types of flour, but make sure that the proportion of whole grain flour is at least 70%. Whole grain flour is rich in fiber and nutrients, providing a pleasant texture to your bread.
3. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Start incorporating the flour into the water, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. When the mixture becomes homogeneous, add the tablespoon of oil and continue kneading the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Rising the dough: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. Rising is a crucial step, as it allows the yeast to act, making the bread fluffier.
5. Adding the olives: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular sheet. Distribute the olive slices evenly over the entire surface of the dough, sprinkling the flaxseeds as well. Rolling the dough like a loaf is a technique that helps evenly distribute the ingredients and create a pleasant texture.
6. Shaping the bread: Carefully roll the dough, starting from one corner, until you have a tight roll. Place it in a greased or lined bread pan. Cover again with the towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes, to give it a final boost.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Before placing the bread in the oven, brush the surface with a beaten egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle wheat flakes on top for a rustic look. Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes until golden and it sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
8. Cooling: After the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This will help maintain a fluffy texture.
Serving suggestions: Whole grain bread with olives and flaxseeds is delicious served warm, alongside butter or fresh cheese. You can also create tasty sandwiches with various fillings, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, or cold cuts. An excellent combination would be to serve it with a dry white wine or craft beer.
Nutritional information: A slice of whole grain bread contains approximately 80-100 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats from the flaxseeds, contributing to a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it in warm water, just like fresh yeast.
- Can I add other ingredients? Of course! You can experiment and add herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, or other types of olives, like those with herbs.
- What should I do if the dough doesn't rise? Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the water isn't too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
Possible variations: You can adapt the recipe by adding nuts or various seeds, such as sesame or pumpkin seeds, for an extra flavor and texture. You can also try adding other vegetables, such as dill or finely chopped red pepper.
This whole grain bread recipe with olives and flaxseeds is not only a great way to improve your cooking skills but also an opportunity to enjoy a healthy and delicious product made with your own hands. So, put on your favorite apron, turn on your cooking music, and start this culinary journey. Your freshly baked bread will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients: 200ml water 600-700g whole wheat flour 100g pitted olives one teaspoon of flax seeds a small cube of yeast one teaspoon salt one teaspoon sugar one tablespoon of oil one tablespoon of wheat flakes
