Greek-Inspired Honey and Walnut Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 package (7g) active dry yeast 1 package (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, honey, chopped walnuts, and salt.
3. 3.
   Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
8. 8.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Toast the walnuts before adding them to the dough to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced honey flavor, use a darker variety of honey such as chestnut or buckwheat.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top of the loaf before baking for an extra crunch.
• Serve the bread warm with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decadent treat.
• This bread pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese.
• To make the bread even more aromatic, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-inspired honey and walnut bread as a delicious accompaniment to a Mediterranean-inspired brunch or as a delightful snack on its own. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Presentation advice

Present the bread on a wooden cutting board or a rustic bread basket. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts for a more rustic presentation.