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Herb Olive Bread

Herb Olive Bread
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Herb Olive Bread is a flavorful and aromatic loaf that combines fresh herbs with savory olives, resulting in a crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. This versatile bread is perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a side to soups and salads. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it offers an artisan-style bread experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano), chopped
  • 3/4 cup pitted olives, chopped (Kalamata or green olives recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, to activate yeast)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar or honey. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil while stirring until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead for Texture: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing the gluten network for a perfect crumb.
  4. Incorporate Olives: Gently fold in the chopped pitted olives during the last few minutes of kneading to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Final Rise: Allow the shaped dough to rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy and ready to bake.
  8. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Optionally score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife for an artisan look. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a brighter aroma and flavor compared to dried ones.
  • Don’t Over-Knead: Knead just enough to develop gluten for softness without making the bread dense.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to activate yeast evenly.
  • Olive Size Matters: Chop olives into medium pieces for even distribution without losing texture.
  • Create Steam in Oven: Place a pan of water on the oven’s bottom rack to produce steam for a crisp crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: Herb Olive Bread, savory bread, homemade bread, Mediterranean bread, olive bread, herb bread, easy bread recipe, artisan bread

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/herb-olive-bread/