Olive Bread (CASS Diploma Level)

(Great with soup for a full meal)
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Family Secret Recipes, Nanny
Author: Nanny Bev

Materials

  • 2 kg strong white flour
  • 20 g sugar
  • 10 g salt
  • 40 g olive oil
  • 400 mls dry white wine
  • 800 mls approx. depending on flour warm water
  • 40 g dried yeast
  • 2 cups chopped olives green and black
  • 2 teaspoons marjoram use more if fresh
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • splash balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  • Mix yeast with wine and half of the warm water.
  • Add to flour, sugar, salt, oil, mix.
  • Blend and add extra water gradually as needed. Feel dough forms. Flour changes by the season; sometimes one will need a lot more water for your dough. It’s best to add extra as required.
  • Knead until smooth.
  • Add filling (chopped olives, marjoram, oregano, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar).
  • Knead again to distribute the filling evenly.
  • Place in an oiled bowl. Cover with a damp, warm tea towel.
  • Stand in a warm place until doubled in size. (PROVE)
  • PUNCH DOWN.
  • Allow to prove again until doubled in size.
  • PUNCH DOWN to the desired shape.
  • You can RE-SHAPE into large round buns. BAKE at 190°C for 45 MIN. (depends on size). The top should have a golden brown color, and it should sound hollow when tapped. *Alternatively, you can make this into a long sausage shape and cut through to make SPIRALS. They look great. Joachimi rolls out the dough, covers it with the filling, and rolls up the side edges nicely.
  • Place the shaped dough on an oiled baking tray. Cover and stand until doubled.
  • Bake in a hot oven at 200-220°C for 40-50 minutes.
  • Brush with olive oil when cooked.
  • Cool on a wire rack.
  • Enjoy!