Rich whole wheat bread with black olives and aged cheese – Ready in 2 hours

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

This Mediterranean-inspired bread originates from traditional baking in the sun-kissed regions of the Mediterranean. With its flavorful black olives and slightly tangy red cheese, it pairs wonderfully with many dishes, offering a perfect balance of flavors and texture!

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• For the dough:
  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 250 g durum wheat flour
  • 20 g fresh baker’s yeast
  • A pinch of salt
  • 20 g sugar
  • 100 ml milk (for sourdough)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
• For decoration:
  • Pitted black olives
  • Grated red cheese

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Prepare the Starter:
   • Dissolve the fresh yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar.
   • Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbles form.
2. Make the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, durum wheat flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   • Knead for 10 minutes until a soft, elastic dough forms.
3. First Rise:
   • Cover with a clean cloth and let rise for 1 hour 30 minutes in a warm place.
4. Shaping:
   • Lightly knead the dough to remove air bubbles.
   • Shape into small rolls or one large loaf.
   • Arrange the black olives on top and add the grated red cheese.
5. Second Rise:
   • Let rest for another 30 minutes.
6. Baking:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
   • Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For an extra crispy crust, place a small dish of water in the oven during baking.
• Swap olive oil for sesame oil for a more intense flavor.
• If using dry yeast, reduce the amount to 7 g.

Possible Variations 🎭

• More indulgent version: Add chopped walnuts to the dough.
• Herb-infused version: Mix in dried rosemary or thyme for a Provencal touch.
• Cheese-free version: Replace cheese with pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Bake Time 🔥

For the perfect golden crust and soft interior, follow these baking instructions:

• Conventional oven: Preheat to 200°C (390°F) and bake for 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Fan oven: Preheat to 190°C (375°F) and bake for 20-22 minutes, checking for an even golden color.

For an extra crispy crust, place a small dish of water in the oven during baking. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to allow the texture to set properly.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

• A warm tomato-basil soup for a comforting meal.
• A fresh Greek salad.
• A mint tea for a Moroccan touch.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

• Slice the bread thickly and arrange it on a wooden board.
• Serve with small bowls of flavored olive oil for dipping.
• Garnish with fresh basil to highlight the Mediterranean flavors.
• To decorate this bread, you can get inspired by our article on bread decoration.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

• Durum wheat: High in fiber and protein.
• Black olives: Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
• Red cheese: Provides calcium and protein.