Bread with olives
Olive bread - a delight that combines flavors and textures, perfect to be enjoyed alongside fine cheese or good wine. This olive bread recipe is not only easy to make, but also an excellent opportunity to bring a splash of flavor into everyday life. Moreover, with its simple and natural ingredients, it is a healthy choice for the whole family.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Number of servings: 2 generous loaves
Ingredients:
- 400 g whole wheat flour
- 300 g white flour
- 300-400 ml lukewarm water
- 2 packets of dry yeast (approx. 14 g)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 150 g pitted olives (you can use green, black, or a combination)
- Sunflower seeds (optional, for added nutrition and texture)
Start by preparing the dough:
1. Mixing dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the two types of flour and the dry yeast. It is important to let the yeast activate, so mix these ingredients well and set them aside for 15 minutes. This is a crucial step, as the yeast will start to take effect, and your bread will rise beautifully.
2. Adding wet ingredients
After 15 minutes, dissolve the salt in lukewarm water (300-400 ml). It is important that the water is not hot, as excessive heat could kill the yeast. Once the salt is completely dissolved, add the olive oil and oregano. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor of the bread but also contribute to a soft and fluffy texture.
3. Kneading the dough
Add the liquid to the flour and yeast mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Then, knead the dough on a well-floured work surface for about 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky. If you find it too wet, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
4. Adding olives
After kneading the dough, add the sliced olives. Mix gently to incorporate them, being careful not to crush them. If you want an extra crunch, you can add sunflower seeds at this stage.
5. Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes. The dough should double in size. This is an important step, and a warm, humid place will help the yeast do its job.
Shaping the loaves:
6. Shaping the loaves
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into your desired loaf shape. The loaves can be placed in a baking tray lined with parchment paper or in loaf pans, depending on your preference.
7. Second rising
Cover the loaves again with a towel and let them rise for another 40 minutes. This second rising will help develop an airy and fluffy texture.
Baking:
8. Preheating the oven
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220°C. It is essential to have a well-heated oven to achieve a beautifully browned crust.
9. Baking the loaves
Once the loaves have risen, place the tray in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Check occasionally, and if necessary, you can adjust the temperature to avoid burning. The loaves are done when they have a golden color and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
10. Cooling
Remove the loaves from the oven and cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm and moist for a few minutes. This will help achieve a softer crust. Then, let them cool on a rack.
Serving and storing:
Olive bread is perfect warm, spread with butter or alongside creamy cheese. You can serve it as an appetizer, with a yogurt sauce or hummus, or as part of a charcuterie board. It also pairs well with a glass of dry white wine.
Nutritional benefits:
This olive bread recipe is rich in fiber due to the use of whole wheat flour, and olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Whole wheat flour contributes to healthy digestion, while olive oil helps maintain heart health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with rye flour or oat flour, but be sure to adjust the amount of water, as different flours absorb liquid differently.
2. What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used lukewarm water. If it is too cold or too hot, the yeast will not activate properly.
3. How can I store the bread?
The bread stores well in a cloth bag or a bread box. You can freeze it to keep it longer.
4. Are there variations of the recipe?
Certainly! You can add herbs like rosemary or basil, or even feta cheese for a richer flavor. You can also replace the olives with nuts or seeds for a different taste profile.
Try this olive bread recipe and indulge in a delicious baked product, full of flavor and texture. It is a perfect choice for any meal and can quickly become your family favorite. Make it with love and enjoy every slice!
Ingredients: 400 g whole wheat flour, 300 g white flour, 300-400 ml of warm water, 2 packets of dry yeast, 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 150 g pitted olives, sunflower seeds
