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Eliopsomo Greek olive bread for the holidays

Eliopsomo: Greek Olive Bread for the Holidays

Eliopsomo, or Greek olive bread, is a traditional, flavorful bread that is a staple during the Greek holidays but can be enjoyed year-round.
The recipe brings together the savory taste of Kalamata olives with the aromatic essence of fresh thyme, encapsulated within a perfectly crispy crust and a soft, hearty interior.
It's more than just a bread; it's a tribute to the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, where simplicity meets profound flavor.
Making Eliopsomo is a delightful process that invites you to experience the joy of homemade bread. You'll start by preparing a simple yeast dough, infused with the rich taste of olives and the subtle hint of sugar.
After a couple of rises, which allow the flavors to develop and the texture to refine, your bread is scored and baked to golden perfection.
The scent wafting through the kitchen is enough to gather the family around the table in anticipation. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal, particularly during the holidays when you want each dish to feel special.
Serve it up warm, slice after slice, and watch as it becomes a new tradition in your festive feasts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Greek
Servings 8
Calories 3013 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl - To combine dough ingredients
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - For precise ingredient measurements
  • Wooden Spoon - To mix and stir the dough
  • Kitchen Scale (optional) - For weighing ingredients if needed
  • Plastic Wrap - To cover the dough during rising
  • Baking Sheet or Bread Pan - To bake the bread
  • Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet or pan
  • Knife - To score the bread before baking
  • Oven - To bake the bread
  • Wire Rack - For cooling the bread after baking

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Coarse sea salt optional, for topping

Instructions
 

Preparing the Dough

  • To start your journey into making easy Greek olive bread, begin by mixing the flour in a large bowl. Use a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook for even mixing. Slowly pour in the water and start to make the dough. As it comes together, add more flour if needed to achieve the right consistency. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly sticky.

Adding Flavor with Olives and Herbs

  • Once your dough is formed, it's time to mix in the olives. Choose salty olives like Kalamata for that authentic Greek taste. Along with the olives, incorporate herbs such as oregano and rosemary. These herbs will give your bread a fragrant and distinct Mediterranean flavor. Loosely cover the dough and let it rest. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Letting the Dough Rise

  • After the initial rest, place the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead it gently, then shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough on top of a piece of parchment paper. Now, let the dough rise in a warm spot. This rising process is crucial for that perfect warm bread texture that we all love.

Baking Your Olive Bread

  • With your dough risen and ready, it's time to preheat the oven. Place a baking sheet or a hot pan in the oven to heat up. This step will help you achieve a crusty bottom. Carefully transfer your bread dough onto the hot baking surface, using the parchment paper to aid you. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven to ensure even cooking.

The Final Touches

  • As your bread bakes today, the aroma of oregano and rosemary will fill your kitchen, a testament to this great recipe. Once baked, remove your Greek olive bread - or psomi - from the oven. The oven will yield a loaf of bread that's crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Let it cool slightly, then slice and enjoy your freshly made, amazing recipe of easy Greek olive bread.

Enjoy your Eliopsomo, a savory and aromatic bread that brings a taste of Greece to your holiday table!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 3013kcalCarbohydrates: 396gProtein: 55gFat: 134gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 95gSodium: 4458mgPotassium: 670mgFiber: 21gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 639IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 25mg
    Keyword Eliopsomo recipe, Greek Cuisine Squid, Greek olive bread,, Holiday baking idea, Holiday bread recipes, Homemade artisan bread, Kalamata olive loaf, Mediterranean diet breads, Olive bread for Thanksgiving, Traditional Greek baking
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