Mediterranean Olive Bread

Mediterranean Olive Bread

   1.
      Active Time:  20 Minutes
      Total Time:  2 Hours 40 Minutes
      Yield:  Makes 2 oval loaves (16 servings each)
      If desired, use a combination of black and green olives for a variation on the distinctive flavor of this regional bread. Use strongly flavored olives such as kalamata, Niçoise or Sicilian. A sprinkling of salt is an authentic, but optional final touch.
      RECIPE INGREDIENTS
      3-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
      1 package active dry yeast
      1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
      1 1/2 cups warm water (120 to 130 degrees)
      3 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
      2 teaspoons brown sugar
      1/2 teaspoon salt
      1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
      1 cup chopped pitted ripe olives
      1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 ounces)
      1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
      1 egg yolk
      1 tablespoon water
      1 teaspoon coarse salt (optional)
         
      Mediterranean Olive Bread Recipe at Cooking.com

      You May Also Like
      Similar
      Almond Biscotti
      See More Similar Recipes »
      DIRECTIONS
      In a medium mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, the yeast, and thyme. Combine warm water, oil, brown sugar, and salt; add to flour mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in whole-wheat flour, olives, cheese, 1/2 cup wheat germ, and as much of the remaining all-purpose flour as you can.


      Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining all-purpose flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once. Cover and let rise in a warm place till double (1 1/4-1 1/2 hours).


      Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Shape each half of dough into a 10x3-inch oval. Place on the baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place till nearly double (45-60 minutes).


      With a very sharp knife or single-edge razor blade, cut a lengthwise slit about 1/4-inch deep on either side of the center of each loaf. Combine egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water; brush onto dough. Sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired.


      Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 35-40 minutes, or till the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan; cool on racks.