Turmeric & Olive Oil Loaf
Bread is an art that I rarely dabble in, despite it being the most delicious thing ever. Homemade bread – done right – is magical. The distinct lack of preservatives is a wonder to behold. Knowing that your own strength and persistence has been invested into the dough makes that final bake tastier than any loaf you’ve ever bitten into. The patience that bread requires has often discouraged me from beginning the kneading. Those of you other folk with busy lives might find it hard to fit in a two hour bread prove to a full on schedule, but it’s worth freeing up the space every now and then for a freshly baked loaf. Despite taking time, the ingredients and the method of bread is extremely simple. I believe anyone can do it and this Turmeric and Olive Oil Loaf is no exception.
This recipe is so simple, yet creates such a beautiful, fluffy loaf. The dough is enriched with anti-inflammatory turmeric and virgin olive oil! Potentially controversial white wheat and oil filled recipe on an essential gluten-free, healthy blog… hear me out! White flour isn’t the devil! Unless you are gluten intolerant, embrace the wheat. Nature has provided us with this tasty ingredient, don’t deny yourself it. Also, virgin olive oil is good for you in moderation! Mediterranean’s swear by it in fact. In conclusion, health conscious or not, you’re safe with this recipe!
Make sure to knead well! That’s the trick to the gorgeous texture. I find something about the process very therapeutic and rewarding. After aching arms from kneading, you can watch nature unfold and science pull some crazy shit with gluten.
Spring is my favourite season. It’s so beautiful seeing the flowers blossoming after months of bleak nature. Not only does spring bring me great joy through its weather and foliage, but the springtime food is by far the best of all the seasons! For the entirety of spring, I will be focusing on seasonal fruit and veg, keeping your meals sustainable and eco-friendly! This time around I’ve used on of my favourite veggies – spring onion. Onions are beautiful ingredients, in fact that whole family of layered vegetables are just to die for. The spring onions in this recipe are places on top, making your loaf stand out while adding a new depth of flavour. Of course, you can leave them out – but I always recommend the onions!
Check out the recipe and try out your kneading skills! Report back when the bread has risen!
- 3 cups strong white flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 (7g) packet of fast action yeast
- 330ml tepid water
- 4-5 spring onions
- 4½ tbsp virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- To start, add the yeast to the tepid water, stir and set aside for 10 minutes until frothy.
- In the meanwhile, whisk together the flour, turmeric, garlic powder and 1 tsp salt and make a well in the middle.
- Pour in the yeast mixture into the well and mix together with a spoon until it comes together. Turn out onto a clear, lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes (yes 10 minutes.) Adding a little flour at a time if it gets too sticky.
- Flatten out the dough and make indents with your fingers in the middle. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the middle and fold in the dough. Knead well and repeat with another 2 tbsp of olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough has formed.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch down and transfer to a 2lb loaf tin (i used a lined ceramic dish).
- Slice your onions lengthways and push into the top of the loaf. Cover and leave for another hour.
- Pre hear your oven to 375F/190C/Gas Mark 5.
- Whisk together the remaining ½ tbsp of olive oil and 1 tsp of water and brush the loaf with the oil mixture. Sprinkle over course sea salt and place in the oven to bake for 35-40 mins, until it is golden on top and sounds hollow when tapped from the bottom.
- Cool and slice! Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
the color looks so pretty! I really wanna try this recipe ♡♡
Thank you! Do try it – the bread is to die for!