Elevate your bread-baking game with this Mediterranean Diet Spanish Bread, a wholesome and flavorful creation packed with heart-healthy ingredients. Made with a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, this artisan-style loaf combines the subtle sweetness of honey with the robust flavors of chopped rosemary, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the dough, while an optional sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a delightful crunch to the crust. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone snack, this easy-to-make bread is ideal for anyone embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle. With minimal prep time and simple techniques, you’ll have a fresh, aromatic loaf ready to impress family and friends.
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and honey in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Flatten the dough slightly and fold in the chopped rosemary, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Knead for another 2 minutes to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Punch down the dough and shape it into an oval or round loaf. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the top of the loaf with a little olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds, if using.
Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slashes on the surface of the loaf to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Calories |
2182 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.3 g | 107% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2 g | 61% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3815 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 328.0 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.3 g | 155% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.1 g | ||
| Protein | 56.1 g | 112% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 316 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 3195 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.