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Herb and Olive Bread




Source of Recipe


The Kitchen Bible






Recipe Introduction


Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this bread is delicious dipped in olive oil.





List of Ingredients



• 2 cups tepid water
  
• 2 T extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 4 cups unbleached flour, as needed
  
• one 1/4 oz envelope instant yeast
  
• 1 cup pitted and coarsely chopped Kalamata olives
  
• 4 T finely chopped herbs, such as marjoram, parsley, rosemary, or thyme
  






Instructions



1. Combine the water with the oil and salt in a large bowl. Stir in 3 cups of the flour and the yeast, then enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough.
   
2. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead, adding more flour as needed, for 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and supple. Pat and stretch the dough into a thin rectangle. Sprinkle the olives and herbs over the dough. Roll the dough into a cylinder, then knead for a few more minutes until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape the dough into a ball.
   
3. Lightly oil a bowl. Add the dough and turn to coat with oil. cover with plsatic wrap and let stand in a warm place about 1 1/4 hours, or until doubled in volume.
   
4. Dust a large baking sheet with flour. Punch down the dough, turn it out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for 1 minute. Cut the doug in half. Shape each into a log about 10-inches long and pinch the seams closed. Transfer the logs to the baking sheet and press down lightly. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
   
5. Preheat the oven to 425F. Lightly brush the loaves with oil. Use a sharp knife to score 5 shallow slits on top of each. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
   






Final Comments


Makes 2 loaves