Kritiko Paximadi with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup olive oil
• 250ml (1 cup) water 250ml (1 cup) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, dried oregano, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil and water.
4. 4.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a rectangular loaf.
7. 7.
   Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and firm to the touch.
9. 9.
   Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, slice the loaves into thin, crisp slices.
11. 11.
    Place the slices back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they become hard and crunchy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and quality.
• Dried oregano and thyme — Crush the dried herbs between your palms before adding them to the dough to release their aromatic oils.
• Water — Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve the right consistency of the dough. Add a little more if the dough feels too dry, or a little less if it feels too sticky.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dough.
• Experiment with different herb combinations, such as rosemary and basil, to create unique flavor variations.
• Store the Kritiko Paximadi in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness for longer.
• Serve the bread with traditional Greek dips like tzatziki or melitzanosalata for a complete Greek culinary experience.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic powder in the recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Kritiko Paximadi with a Twist as an appetizer or snack alongside a selection of Greek meze dishes. It pairs perfectly with creamy dips, tangy spreads, or even as a base for bruschetta. Enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing Greek lemonade for a truly Mediterranean experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kritiko Paximadi slices on a wooden platter or a rustic serving tray. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to add a pop of color. Serve alongside small bowls of dips and spreads, and let the golden-brown crust and crunchy texture of the bread take center stage.