Almost No-Knead Bread With Olives, Rosemary, and Parmesan

🍞🫒🌿🧀 Almost No-Knead Bread With Olives, Rosemary, and Parmesan 🍞🫒🌿🧀

What is it?
Almost No-Knead Bread with Olives, Rosemary, and Parmesan is a delightful variation of traditional no-knead bread. It combines the rich flavors of olives, the earthy aroma of rosemary, and the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in a rustic, crusty loaf. This bread is known for its simplicity in preparation, as it requires minimal effort compared to traditional bread-making methods.

History:
The concept of no-knead bread gained popularity with the publication of Jim Lahey’s recipe in the New York Times in 2006. Since then, creative home bakers have experimented with various additions like olives, herbs, and cheese to elevate the flavor profile.

Components:

1. Flour: You’ll need all-purpose or bread flour for the base.
2. Water: To hydrate the flour and create the dough.
3. Yeast: Typically, you’ll use active dry yeast or instant yeast to leaven the bread.
4. Salt: For flavor and to regulate yeast activity.
5. Olives: Green or black, pitted and chopped for bursts of briny goodness.
6. Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs or dried rosemary leaves add an aromatic touch.
7. Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese for that rich, cheesy goodness.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Mix the Dough (5-10 minutes):

   • In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, chopped olives, and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Add water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

2. First Rise (12-18 hours):

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
   • Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This allows it to ferment and develop flavor.

3. Shape the Dough (5 minutes):

   • After the initial rise, dust a clean surface with flour.
   • Gently fold the dough over a few times to shape it into a round loaf.

4. Second Rise (1-2 hours):

   • Place the shaped dough on parchment paper.
   • Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.

5. Preheat the Oven (30 minutes):

   • About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to a high temperature, usually around 450°F (232°C).

6. Bake (45 minutes):

   • Transfer the dough, still on the parchment paper, into a preheated Dutch oven or heavy, oven-safe pot.
   • Cover and bake for about 30 minutes.
   • Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and has a crispy crust.

7. Cool (1 hour):

   • Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the interior finish setting.

Total Time:
The entire process from mixing to cooling takes around 18-22 hours, primarily due to the long fermentation time. However, most of this time is hands-off, allowing you to go about your day while the dough does its magic.

Enjoy your Almost No-Knead Bread With Olives, Rosemary, and Parmesan! 🍞🫒🌿🧀 It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own.

I’m unable to provide real-time or specific nutrition facts as they can vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used. However, I can offer some general health information and considerations for this type of bread:

Health Information:

1. Calories: No-knead bread tends to be moderately calorie-dense due to the use of flour and cheese. A typical serving might contain around 150-200 calories.

2. Carbohydrates: Bread is a significant source of carbohydrates, providing energy. It’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your carb intake.

3. Protein: While bread contains some protein, it’s not a significant source. The addition of cheese may slightly increase the protein content.

4. Fiber: Depending on the type of flour used, there may be some dietary fiber in the bread. Whole-grain flours generally have more fiber than refined flours.

5. Fats: Olive oil and cheese contribute to the fat content. These are mainly healthy fats, especially if you use extra virgin olive oil.

6. Sodium: Be cautious with the amount of salt added to the bread, especially if you’re on a low-sodium diet. Olives and cheese can also add to the sodium content.

Health Considerations:

1. Portion Size: Enjoy this bread in moderation, as it can be calorie-dense. Stick to a reasonable portion size to manage calorie intake.

2. Whole Grains: Consider using whole-grain flour or incorporating some whole grains for added fiber and nutrients.

3. Cheese Choice: Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese and use it in moderation to control calorie and fat intake.

4. Sodium Awareness: Be mindful of the salt content, especially if you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake.

5. Balanced Diet: Bread is a great accompaniment to many dishes, but ensure your overall diet is well-balanced with a variety of nutrients from fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and other sources.

6. Allergies: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, check the ingredient labels carefully, especially if there are concerns about gluten or dairy.

Remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on your specific recipe and ingredient choices, so it’s a good practice to calculate the nutrition facts using a nutritional calculator or consult the packaging of the specific ingredients you use.