Sometimes, all you really want is some bread and oil. And recently, MM and I found olive oil that we love, and whenever we hit Chicago, we stop by Eataly to purchase more (I was going to say “only if we need it,” but who am I kidding?). I’m not going to tell you what it is for two reasons 1) Everyone’s tastes are different, and you should find the olive oil you love instead of relying on me; 2) If I share the one we love, that means you’ll all buy it, and I’m way too selfish. 🙂
Anyway, while olive oil is used throughout most Italian dishes, one of my favorite things to do is to get some warm bread and dip it into the oil. So yummy!
But while any bread will do, I found a simple, relatively quick bread recipe that works so well for my needs. This bread is delicious on its own, but you add a little olive oil, and it’s AMAZING.
Tuscan-Style Bread with Herbs
Ingredients
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups water
- 4 cups bread flour
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients and mix, then knead to make a smooth, very soft dough. Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for about an hour, or until it's puffy (though not necessarily doubled).
- After the first rise, deflate the dough, form into a long loaf or round loaf, and place on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet (can also use a silicone mat). Cover the loaf with greased plastic wrap, and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until noticeably puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Remove plastic wrap from loaf, and slash the top in a decorative pattern. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center measures 190 degrees. Note that if the loaf isn't as brown as you'd like, you can continue baking for 5-10 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes before slicing.
So, I put it to you. Find yourself your favorite olive oil (you’re going to have to taste things – and I’m going to guess that you won’t find your favorite at your neighborhood grocery store), bake yourself some tasty bread, and dip away!
(Also works for nice, relaxing evenings in front of a screen, large or small!)