Olive Bread Swirls
Try this Olive bread swirls recipe.
Try this Olive bread swirls recipe.
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 500 g strong white flour plus extra for rolling flour fl-ow-er flour is a powdery ingredient usually made from grinding wheat, maize, rye, barley or rice. as…
- 7 g sachet easy-blend dried yeast yeast yee-st yeast i single-cell organism. as the yeast grows, it converts its food (in the form…
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus a little for brushing
- small bunch of basil basil ba-zil most closely ass the…
- 170 g pitted black olives (about 200g unpitted weight)
- 4 tinned anchovies (optional) anchovy ann-choe-vee s slender salty little fish found mainly around the black sea and the pacific and atlantic…
- 50 g pitted green olives
- Carbohydrate 32.0420838888889 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 7.79809779147246 g
- Fiber 1.2692222398652 g
- Protein 4.36359166666667 g
- Saturated Fat 1.08144194633541 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (68g)
- Sodium 65.846611111385 mg
- Sugar 30.7728616490237 g
- Trans Fat 0.346508611481964 g
- Calories 218 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, yeast, 1 tbsp olive oil and 300ml warm water, to make a soft dough.
- Knead by hand for 10 mins or with the dough hook in a food processor or mixer for 5 mins.
- Put the dough back in the cleaned out mixing bowl, then cover the bowl with oiled cling film.
- Leave to rise for an hr in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, make the filling. Discard any tough basil stalks (leave tender ones on) and put in a mini food processor or hand blender beaker with the black olives.
- Add 4 tbsp olive oil, the garlic and the anchovies, if using.
- Whizz to a rough paste.
- Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.
- Line a shallow baking tin about 30 x 20cm with non-stick paper.
- On a floured worktop, roll out the dough to a rectangle roughly 30 x 40cm.
- Spread the olive paste all over and arrange the whole green olives in a line down one of the short edges.
- Roll up the dough like a Swiss roll, starting at the short olive-encrusted end to make a sausage shape.
- Cut the dough into 12 slices, then carefully lift each one into the tin, to make 4 rows of 3 swirl shapes.
- Lightly brush all over with the remaining olive oil.
- Loosely cover with cling film, then leave to rise for 20 mins or so, until slightly puffed up and filling the tin.
- Cook for 20-25 mins until golden, then leave to cool in the tin.
My Olive Bread Swirl Adventure: A Simple Recipe for a Flavorful Treat
Baking has always been my happy place. There's something incredibly therapeutic about the rhythmic kneading of dough, the warm aroma filling the kitchen, and the sheer satisfaction of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. This Olive Bread Swirl recipe is a perfect example of that joy. It's not just about the end result – a beautiful, golden-brown swirl of bread bursting with the savory taste of olives and herbs – but also the process itself. It's a weekend project, a moment of self-care amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I discovered this recipe during a recent trip to the Mediterranean. The abundance of fresh, flavorful ingredients inspired me to experiment, and these olive bread swirls were the result. The combination of earthy black olives, fragrant basil, and the rich, slightly salty taste of anchovies (optional, but highly recommended!) is simply divine. The bread itself is wonderfully soft and slightly chewy, the perfect texture to complement the intense flavors of the filling.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn't require any fancy equipment or obscure ingredients. You likely already have most of what you need in your pantry. The process is straightforward, even for beginner bakers. The most time-consuming part is the rising time, but that just gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the anticipation of the delicious bread to come. I find myself often making a double batch, one to enjoy immediately and the other to freeze for a later date, ensuring a comforting treat is always on hand.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Baking and Life
Baking, for me, is more than just following a recipe; it’s a metaphor for life. Just like kneading dough, life often presents challenges that require patience and perseverance. Sometimes the process is messy, and there are moments of frustration. But with every rise and every bake, there’s the promise of a rewarding outcome. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills my home with a sense of warmth and comfort, reminding me of the simple joys and the importance of taking time for the things that truly nourish us.
This olive bread swirl recipe isn't just a culinary creation; it's a reminder to savor the journey, to appreciate the simple moments, and to find joy in the process. The warm, comforting aroma filling your kitchen will transport you to the Mediterranean sun, even if it's a blustery day outside. And the taste? Well, it speaks for itself. It’s a taste of simple pleasures, of handcrafted goodness, of a little piece of happiness baked into every golden swirl.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some relaxing music, and get ready to embark on this flavorful baking adventure. You'll not only create a delicious treat but also experience the calming and rewarding process of bringing a recipe to life. It's a perfect activity for a quiet weekend afternoon, a way to unwind and connect with yourself through the simple act of baking. Remember, the imperfections are part of the charm, just like the unique character of each handmade swirl.
Tips and Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different types of olives. Kalamata olives, for instance, would add a lovely briny twist. You can also add other herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to complement the basil. If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can omit them without significantly altering the flavor profile. Sun-dried tomatoes would also make a delicious addition to the filling. And finally, don't be afraid to adjust the recipe to your liking. Baking is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you and your taste buds.
Enjoy the process, enjoy the aroma, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious olive bread swirls! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below!
