Montenegrin Cheese and Olive Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 150g (1 ½ cups) mixed grated cheese (feta, cheddar, etc.) 150g (1 ½ cups) mixed grated cheese (feta, cheddar, etc.)
• 100g (1 cup) mixed olives (green and black), pitted and chopped 100g (1 cup) mixed olives (green and black), pitted and chopped
• 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tbsp dried oregano

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 1cm (½ inch) thick.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the grated cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano evenly over the dough.
8. 8.
   Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
9. 9.
   Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. 10.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese — Use a combination of your favorite cheeses to add depth of flavor. Experiment with different types such as goat cheese or Gouda for a unique twist.
• Olives — Opt for a mix of green and black olives to add a variety of flavors and colors to the bread. Make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling.
• Serve the bread warm for the best taste and texture.
• This bread is perfect for picnics or as an appetizer for gatherings.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the bread with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Montenegrin Cheese and Olive Bread is best served warm. Slice it into thick pieces and enjoy it on its own or with a side of fresh salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra grated cheese and oregano on top of the bread before baking. This will create an inviting golden crust and add an extra pop of flavor.