| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 352 | 6g | 1g | 66g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 8g | 0.391g |
When I first thought up the fusion of sweet natural fruits with a savory comfort dish in the form of Oregano Herb Bread, I knew I had struck gold. Using fresh ingredients synonymous with healthy West Coast living and pairing them with the hearty wholesomeness of a bread filled with aromatic herbs, the Oregano Herb Bread was born out of a perfect love for culinary balance.
Inspiration Behind the Dough
Growing up in California, my life was saturated with an appreciation for fresh produce, the kind you can pluck right from your backyard. The simple act of adding chopped fruit, like apples or pears, straight into the dough of this bread adds a subtle sweetness and softness to the bite. It’s a small homage to my roots and proof that sometimes the best ingredients are the ones nature gives us directly.
A Bread Like No Other
Think about the smell wafting through your home when you have a loaf of this Oregano Herb Bread in the oven. The unique combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and sage melds together giving it a distinct touch that distinguishes it from conventional bread recipes. It’s not like focaccia nor is it quite like a traditional white bread – this particular recipe carves out its own niche that simply needs to be tried to be fully appreciated.
Pairing the Oregano Herb Bread
This bread, though unique in flavor, is incredibly versatile. Picture it alongside your favorite bowl of healthy soup for a comforting meal or toasted with a generous spread of avocado, a small way to tap into the ever-trendy avocado toast sensation. For a dinner party, consider serving it with a glass of your favorite Californian wine, a perfect pairing to further elevate the tasteful experience.
The health benefits associated with Oregano Herb Bread are also noteworthy. This recipe is packed with herbs that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and added fruits for an extra punch of vitamins. The choice of all-purpose flour can be swapped with whole grain flour to increase the fiber content thereby making your slice of bread even more nutritious.
Every bite of this Oregano Herb Bread is a celebration of where I come from and my approach towards food – unpretentious, wholesome, and unabashedly delightful. I hope you love it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh fruit (like apples or pears)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the top of the bread)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon dry yeast, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon dried sage. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water (110 to 115 degrees) and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Gradually add this mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring. Continue to mix until the dough starts to come together.
Step Three
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to grease the top. Cover and put in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Step Four
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and gently knead in 1/4 cup chopped fresh fruit (like apples or pears). Form the dough into a loaf shape and place in a greased loaf pan. Cover it and let it rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Step Five
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush the top of the risen loaf with 1 tablespoon milk.
Step Six
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let the bread cool slightly, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
