Recipes, re-invented from cooking shows
Mediterranean Monkey Bread
Prep. Time:
Baking Time:
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes
35 minutes
3 hours 50 minutes
Serves:
8-10 servings
Jasmine's Mediterranean monkey bread addresses judge feedback with enhanced olive presence and coriander substitution creating very neat appearance with all balls visible. This signature bake features two distinct varieties: enhanced kalamata olive-coriander-feta addressing not getting enough olive flavor critique, and absolutely delicious 'nduja-basil-mozzarella providing Mediterranean heat. Looks attractive and clever through tried and tested approach, perfect with friends and wine for entertaining with distinct Mediterranean flavors in each pulled piece.
Ingredients
FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN ENRICHED DOUGH:
4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons SAF red instant yeast
1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon dried oregano
FOR THE ENHANCED KALAMATA OLIVE AND CORIANDER VARIETY:
1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (increased from original)
2 tablespoons fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (reduced but not eliminated)
3 oz feta cheese, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FOR THE 'NDUJA AND BASIL VARIETY:
4 oz 'nduja (spicy Italian sausage spread)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 oz mozzarella cheese, diced small
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
FOR ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup mixed Mediterranean cheeses, grated
Fresh herbs for garnish (basil, coriander)
Flaky sea salt
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
MAKE THE MEDITERRANEAN ENRICHED DOUGH:
1. In large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and oregano.
2. In separate bowl, whisk warm milk, olive oil, and eggs.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until soft dough forms.
4. Knead on lightly floured surface 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, gradually incorporating melted butter.
5. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and rise in warm place 1.5 hours until doubled.
PREPARE THE ENHANCED OLIVE-CORIANDER FILLING:
6. In bowl, combine increased amount of chopped kalamata olives with fresh coriander as judges suggested.
7. Add reduced rosemary, crumbled feta, minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper.
8. Mix gently to combine - this addresses the critique of not getting enough olive flavor.
MAKE THE 'NDUJA-BASIL FILLING:
9. In another bowl, mix 'nduja with fresh basil, diced mozzarella, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
10. Add minced garlic and olive oil to create cohesive filling.
11. The spicy sausage provides the absolutely delicious Mediterranean heat.
SHAPE AND ASSEMBLE:
12. Punch down risen dough and divide into 40-45 walnut-sized pieces.
13. Roll each piece into smooth ball, then flatten slightly.
14. Add filling to each piece, alternating between enhanced olive-coriander-feta filling and 'nduja-basil-mozzarella filling.
15. Seal edges tightly, creating well-filled balls.
16. Brush bundt pan thoroughly with melted butter.
LAYER AND PROOF:
17. Layer filled dough balls in prepared pan, ensuring even distribution of both Mediterranean varieties.
18. Brush each layer with melted butter for the very neat appearance judges noted.
19. Cover and proof 45 minutes until puffy and balls are touching creating the all balls visible look.
BAKE:
20. Preheat oven to 375°F.
21. Brush top with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with mixed Mediterranean cheeses.
22. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and attractive as judges described.
23. Internal temperature should reach 190°F.
24. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto serving platter.
25. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
26. Garnish with fresh basil and coriander leaves.
27. Serve warm - perfect with friends and wine as judges noted.
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