Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts

Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts. This hearty and flavorful bread is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for a cozy meal or snack.

Ingredients:

For the Bread Dough:

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar or honey

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm flavor)

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)

For the Fruit and Nut Filling:

½ cup dried apricots, chopped

½ cup dried figs, chopped

¼ cup raisins or sultanas

¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped (or almonds or pecans)

½ cup hazelnuts (optional), roughly chopped

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional, for crunch)

1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for a citrusy hint)

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the top of the loaf before baking)

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

A few sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar (or honey), and yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, dried rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Pour the yeast mixture into the well along with the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Add the Fruit and Nuts:

Once the dough is kneaded, add the dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and orange zest (if using) to the dough. Gently knead the mixture into the dough for about 3-4 minutes until evenly distributed. The dough will be slightly sticky because of the fruit and nuts, but try to avoid adding too much flour at this stage.

3. First Rise:

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Dough:

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.

Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased round bread pan.

5. Second Rise:

Cover the dough again and let it rise for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size.

6. Preheat the Oven:

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Bake:

Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for extra flavor and texture.

Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

If desired, during the last 10 minutes of baking, you can also garnish the top of the bread with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a fragrant touch.

8. Cool:

Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Ideas:

Serve Mediterranean Harvest Bread with a drizzle of honey, cream cheese, or goat cheese for a delicious snack or breakfast.

It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or Mediterranean-style dishes like hummus and olives.

For an extra treat, try toasted slices with a little butter or olive oil.

Enjoy your Mediterranean Harvest Bread with Fruit and Nuts! It’s a wonderful combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.