humble Olive loaf

A Humble Olive Loaf is a simple yet flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with savory olives, this loaf has a slightly tangy flavor and a soft, pillowy texture, making it ideal for sandwiches or enjoying on its own with a bit of butter or cheese.Here’s a straightforward recipe for you to make a delicious Olive Loaf:

Humble Olive Loaf

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1 cup pitted olives, chopped (green, black, or a mix)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble, the yeast may be inactive, and you may need to try a new packet.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture, adding the olive oil as well. Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
4. Add the olives and seasonings: After the dough has been kneaded, gently fold in the chopped olives and any optional seasonings like oregano or garlic powder. Continue kneading for a couple of minutes to ensure the olives are evenly distributed.
5. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, then place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can either shape it into a round boule or an oblong loaf to fit a standard loaf pan.
7. Second rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan (or on a baking sheet if you prefer a freeform loaf). Cover it again with a damp towel and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’d like a shiny finish, brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg before baking.
9. Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check for doneness—it should read about 190°F (88°C) inside.
10. Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the crumb set and makes it easier to cut.

Serve:

This Humble Olive Loaf is perfect on its own, with a smear of butter, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal. You can also serve it alongside a soup, salad, or cheese platter for an easy and flavorful addition to your table.

Enjoy the savory, aromatic bread with the burst of olives in every bite!

Let me know if you’d like to adjust the recipe or if you have any other flavor variations in mind!