Breads
Elioti (Cypriot Olive and Onion Bread)

Ingredients
- - Strong white flour — 500 g (4 cups)
- - Instant yeast — 7 g (2.25 tsp)
- - Warm water — 300 ml (1.25 cups)
- - Olive oil — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- - Black olives, pitted and chopped — 150 g (5 oz)
- - Onion, finely chopped — 1 medium
- - Dried mint — 1 tbsp
- - Salt — 1 tsp
Method
- Combine flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl.
- Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, kneading for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Knead in the chopped olives, onion and dried mint until evenly distributed.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Shape into a flat, round loaf on a baking tray and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
- Let rise for a further 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool slightly before slicing.
Introduction: A rustic flatbread studded with chopped olives, onion and mint, elioti is baked in village wood-fired ovens
and traditionally enjoyed as a simple, filling snack or alongside soups, reflecting Cyprus's abundant olive
groves.
Cultural Background: A rustic flatbread studded with chopped olives, onion and mint, elioti is baked in village wood-fired ovens
and traditionally enjoyed as a simple, filling snack or alongside soups, reflecting Cyprus's abundant olive
groves.
Variations: Vegetarian. Naturally vegan as traditionally prepared.
Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5-8 minutes to refresh the crust.
Nutrition: Per serving: ~240 kcal, 6g protein, 8g fat, 36g carbohydrate.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread vegan?
A: Yes, naturally vegan.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, freeze after the first rise, then thaw and continue with shaping and baking.