The humble Olive Loaf is a delightful, savory bread that combines the rich flavor of olives with a soft, fluffy loaf. It’s perfect as an accompaniment to soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. Here’s a simple recipe to make this flavorful bread at home:
Ingredients:
- 500 g of all-purpose flour
- 10 g of salt
- 10 g of sugar
- 7 g of active dry yeast
- 300 ml of warm water (about 40°C)
- 50 ml of olive oil (plus a little extra for greasing)
- 150 g of pitted olives (green, black, or a mix), roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano or fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water with the sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Stir it gently and leave it to sit for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil.
- Mix until it comes together to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Add the olives:
- Gently fold the chopped olives and oregano (if using) into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can make it round or long, depending on your preference and the size of your loaf pan.
- Second rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it puffs up again.
- Preheat the oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Egg wash (optional):
- If you want a glossy finish on your loaf, brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg.
- Bake the loaf:
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the loaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Feel free to use different types of olives (green, Kalamata, or even a mix) for varying flavor profiles.
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or sun-dried tomatoes along with the olives.
- This loaf also works well with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil when serving.
The Olive Loaf is a versatile and aromatic bread that’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy!