Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your kitchen into a Mediterranean flavor paradise! This Roasted Garlic Olives Beer Bread is not just a recipe – it's a sensory experience that combines the rich, robust flavors of beer, the intense depth of roasted garlic, and the briny punch of olives. Imagine pulling a golden, aromatic loaf out of the oven, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a moist, flavor-packed interior that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to elevate your bread-making skills and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz beer
- 1 cup olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 head roasted garlic, mashed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- To roast the garlic, cut the top off a whole garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let it cool, then squeeze the roasted cloves out and mash into a smooth paste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well incorporated.
- Chop the pitted olives into small, uniform pieces. Ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the bread.
- Add the mashed roasted garlic and chopped olives to the dry ingredients. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Pour the beer into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm. Optional: Brush with olive oil or melted butter for extra flavor.
Tips
- Beer Selection Matters: Choose a beer with character - a medium-bodied ale or lager works best. Avoid very light or extremely hoppy beers that might overpower the other flavors.
- Roasting Garlic Perfection: Take your time when roasting garlic. The slower and more evenly it roasts, the more complex and sweet its flavor becomes.
- Olive Preparation is Key: Drain the olives thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from making your bread soggy.
- Don't Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is crucial. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfect.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then on a wire rack to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside a Mediterranean-inspired dip for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
