Black Olive and Mediterranean Spice Bread
I developed this recipe over a long period of time. It is the favorite bread recipe in our house.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 1 person
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2tablespoons white sugar
- 2teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3cups bread flour
- 1(6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 3tablespoons olive oil
- 1tablespoon minced garlic
- 1teaspoon salt
- 1tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1tablespoon butter, divided
- 1tablespoon cornmeal
Instructions
Step 1
Combine water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes. Add flour, black olives, olive oil, garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning to the bowl; mix well to form a dough.Step 2
Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth, 5 to 10 minutes. Let stand until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.Step 3
Punch dough down gently and knead, 5 to 10 minutes more. Let rise until doubled in volume again, about 45 minutes.Step 4
Line a bowl with a well-floured cloth. Form dough into a ball and place upside down in the bowl. Let rise until doubled in volume again, about 45 minutes.Step 5
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Fill a baking dish with water and place it in the bottom of your oven.Step 6
Grease a baking sheet with 1 teaspoon butter and sprinkle cornmeal on top. Turn dough out gently onto the baking sheet.Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven until puffy, about 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking until bread is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Brush remaining 2 teaspoons butter over the surface. Let cool slightly before slicing, about 15 minutes.