Sourdough Calamata Olive Bread
A flavorful sourdough olive bread with Calamata olives, perfect for snacking or serving alongside meals, boasting a chewy crust and savory, briny flavors that appeal to bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Allow the mixture to foam up.
- Add the yeast mixture to other liquid ingredients, including yogurt, sourdough culture, and olive oil, then add chopped Calamata olives and salt.
- Mix well, then add bread flour, stirring until a stiff dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead in the remaining bread flour.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free location until doubled in size, then knead again.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf by hand.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray or lightly oiled.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with water and slash a couple of times with a sharp knife.
- Place the loaf in the oven above a pan of boiling water and bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you don't have Calamata olives, substitute with green olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist. Ensure your yogurt is at room temperature for better mixing, and if your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually while kneading.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful on its own or served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully, making it a perfect side for dishes like Zucchini-Tomato Casserole or Sicilian Eggplant Caponata. Enjoy it with a fresh salad or as a sandwich base.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sourdough Calamata olive bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, you can freeze slices in a zip-top bag; simply toast or warm them in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sourdough Calamata Olive Bread contains roughly 651 calories, with 13g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1247mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
While you can replace some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour, doing so will affect the dough's texture and rise. It's best to stick to the original ratio for optimal results. If you want a healthier version, try using a mix of both but keep the majority as bread flour.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Additionally, the crust should be golden brown. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C) for perfectly baked bread.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional ingredients like chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs for more flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content these additions might bring, as they can affect the dough consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).