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Herb Olive Bread

Herb Olive Bread
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Learn to bake a flavorful Herb Olive Bread that combines fresh herbs and briny olives into a soft, aromatic loaf. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying plain, this easy-to-follow recipe brings Mediterranean charm to your kitchen with simple pantry ingredients and a deliciously inviting aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano (combined or your choice)
  • 1 cup chopped pitted black or green olives
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, chopped fresh herbs, and olives. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to form a rough dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and Proof: Punch down the dough gently, shape into a round or oval loaf, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and proof for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
  6. Bake the Bread: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slash the top to allow steam to escape, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to set the crumb and develop flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for the best, most vibrant flavor.
  • Knead until elastic but avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
  • Ensure yeast is fresh for reliable rising and fluffy texture.
  • Measure salt carefully as too much can inhibit yeast activity.
  • Allow dough to fully proof in both rising stages for optimal texture and taste.
  • Use pitted olives and chop them to avoid unpleasant bites.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb olive bread, Mediterranean bread, homemade bread, savory bread, herb bread, olive bread, easy bread recipe

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