Making bread at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. This olive oil bread recipe is straightforward, using common pantry ingredients to create a soft, flavorful loaf. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to your favorite meals, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 200 ml (0.85 cup) water
- 25 grams (2 tablespoons) sugar
- 3 grams (1 teaspoon) yeast
- 300 grams (2 cups) bread flour/wheat flour
- 3 grams (1/2 teaspoon) salt
- 20 grams (2 tablespoons) olive oil
Directions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine the water, sugar, and yeast. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes frothy, indicating it’s activated.
2. Mix the Dough
Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Use a spatula to mix everything into a rough dough. Make sure all the flour is incorporated.
3. Incorporate the Olive Oil
Stir in the olive oil until it is well mixed into the dough. The oil will add a rich flavor and help keep the bread moist.
4. Rest the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period helps the flour absorb the water and makes the dough easier to knead.
5. Knead the Dough
After the rest period, continue to mix and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
6. First Rise
Cover the dough again and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Prepare the Surface
Sprinkle some flour on a clean work surface to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and gently deflate it to release any air bubbles.
8. Shape the Dough
Flatten the dough with your hands and fold it four times. Then, round it up into a ball. This helps develop the structure and texture of the bread.
9. Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into three equal parts. Round each portion into a ball and let them rest for about 15 minutes.
10. Form the Loaves
After resting, deflate each portion of dough. Roll each one out into a long shape, fold both sides towards the center, and roll it up tightly to form a loaf.
11. Place in Mold
Place the rolled dough into a bread mold (450g): approximately 20.8×11.8x11cm in size. Make sure the dough is evenly distributed in the mold.
12. Second Rise
Cover the mold and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 50 minutes, or until it has risen to 80%-90% of the mold’s height.
13. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). This ensures the oven is hot enough to bake the bread evenly.
14. Bake the Bread
Place the mold in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
15. Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial as it allows the bread to finish cooking and firm up. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade bread!
Conclusion
Baking your own bread is a delightful experience that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. This olive oil bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a simple yet delicious loaf. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite toppings. Happy baking!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser and the bread might not rise as much.
Q2: How should I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it and reheat as needed.
Q3: Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like garlic powder, can enhance the flavor of the bread.
Q4: What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm enough for fermentation. Placing the dough in a warm, draft-free spot can help it rise better.
Q5: Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?
Yes, you can shape the dough into rolls instead of a loaf. Adjust the baking time to around 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.