Northern Irish-style Greek Bread

Ingredients

In this Northern Irish adaptation of Pain à la grecque, we incorporate local Northern Irish ingredients and flavors to give the bread a unique twist. Instead of using traditional Greek herbs, we use Northern Irish herbs like thyme and rosemary to infuse the bread with a distinct flavor. Additionally, we add a touch of local honey to enhance the sweetness of the bread. These adaptations create a fusion dish that combines the best of Greek and Northern Irish cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Pain à la grecque, so you can check it out.

• 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 salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 250g (1 cup) Greek yogurt 250g (1 cup) Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey (preferably local Northern Irish honey) 2 tbsp honey (preferably local Northern Irish honey)
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• Olive oil, for greasing Olive oil, for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, thyme, and rosemary.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and warm water until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is 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 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf.
8. 8.
   Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Greek yogurt — Use a thick and creamy Greek yogurt for the best results. If the yogurt is too runny, strain it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove excess liquid before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Northern Irish flavor, you can add a handful of finely chopped scallions (spring onions) to the dough.
• Serve the bread warm with a generous spread of local Northern Irish butter for an extra indulgent treat.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of honey to your liking.
• This bread is perfect for making sandwiches or serving alongside hearty stews and soups.
• To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Serving advice

Serve Northern Irish-style Greek Bread warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with butter, honey, or your favorite Northern Irish cheese.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh thyme and rosemary leaves on top of the bread before baking. This will add a pop of color and make the bread even more visually appealing.