Introducing one of my favorite Greek breads of all time. Packed with wonderful spices, and olives. Eliopita brings back many beautiful memories from Greece. I just remember dipping this bread in olive oil while being at a taverna in Greece. Sometimes the smallest things in life are what matters the most. Like dipping your bread in olive oil, and enjoying that moment.

Eliopita~ Greek Olive & Herb Bread Recipe

Delicious Greek olive bread packed with flavor.
Servings: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 package of active dry yeast
• ¼ cup of warm water
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 cup of Kalamata olives

Method:

1. In a small bowl mix together the yeast and warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes or until bubbles have formed.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add dried spices and mix in. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture.
3. Add water, honey, olive oil, onion, garlic, and olives. Mix with your hands, until the dough starts to form. (Feel free to add another tablespoon of water, if it is dry.)
4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes. Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in bulk.
5. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Prepare a baking sheet, lightly greased with olive oil.
6. Form the dough into a round that is about 10 inches in diameter. You can flatten it a bit and place it on the baking sheet. Brush the top of the bread with olive oil. I like to sprinkle a little bit of salt, and oregano over the top for extra flavor.
7. Bake for 35 minutes at 375° F, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool. It is delicious served warm or cold. It’s a nice treat to dip in olive oil and balsamic vinegar!

Recipe in my second cookbook- A Drop of Ladi & My Greek Soul.

Notes:

I put “dried” spices but if you can use fresh that would be better. I did use fresh dill (chopped) inside my loaf tonight and it was yummy! Rosemary is really good too.

You can use other olives of your choice, but Kalamata olives are the best in my opinion. Don’t forget that Kalamata olives are salty, so don’t overdo the bread with too much salt.

Enjoy!!