Traditional Cypriot olive bread 'Zeytinli' is one of the most loved delicacies of Cyprus. Here's an easy recipe for you to try it out.

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 3 1/2-4 cups bread flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• Salt, to taste

• 3/4 cup warm water

• 1/4 cup Taş Değirmen olive oil

• 1 tablespoon dried mint (you can also use coriander)

• 1 cup finely chopped onions

• 2 cups pitted black olives

• 225 gr butter

Oven temperature

• 200 degrees C

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 10-by-2-inch round baking pan. In a large bowl sift together 31/3 cups of flour, the baking powder and the salt. Make a well in the center. Add 3/4 cup of warm water and the oil, mint, onions and olives. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough is formed.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, using the remaining flour in small increments and knead until silky smooth to the touch, about 10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Shape the dough into a ball and pat it down gently to fit evenly in the baking pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Remove the bread from the pan and cool it on a rack.

Recipe: Turkish Cypriot Cuisine. A Taste of the Mediterranean. cypnet.co.uk