Black Bread

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 20

Course Aperitif, dinner, lunch

Cuisine Mediterranean

Calories 130 kcal

Notes

Ingredients for One Loaf of Black Bread

300 g Type 1 wheat flour
150 g whole wheat flour
50 g rye flour
6–8 g food-grade activated charcoal powder
10 g fine salt
350 ml room-temperature water
4 g dry yeast (or 12 g fresh yeast)
1 tablespoon of

Benvolio Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil
Benvolio Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

to drizzle on top

Why the Dough Changes with High Oleic Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Dough Made with

Benvolio High Oleic Sunflower Oil

High oleic sunflower oil has a neutral taste and a fat composition that makes the dough
softer and easier to work with. The gluten mesh forms evenly, the dough rises well,
and stays soft and moist even after baking.

In the oven, thanks to its excellent heat stability, high oleic sunflower oil creates a
crispy crust without bitter notes or burnt aromas, making it ideal for
brushing during baking.

Finishing with

Benvolio Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

When used inside the dough, extra virgin olive oil may overpower delicate flour and charcoal aromas.
That’s why we mainly use it as a finishing touch: its fruity profile and herbal notes
elevate every slice of freshly baked black bread.

The final result is bread where structure and flavor work together beautifully:
high oleic sunflower oil works “behind the scenes” inside the dough, while EVO adds the signature aroma on top.

How to Make Black Bread Step by Step

Black bread dough kneaded by hand with Benvolio high oleic sunflower oil — Soft, dark dough thanks to activated charcoal and high oleic sunflower oil.

Step 1 – Knead with High Oleic Sunflower Oil

Mix the flours with activated charcoal. Dissolve the yeast in part of the water, add it to the flours,
and gradually pour in the remaining water.
Once the dough starts forming, add

a tablespoon of Benvolio High Oleic Sunflower Oil

and knead until smooth and elastic.

Dry ingredients and activated charcoal for black bread — The blend of flours and charcoal gives the bread its deep black color.

Step 2 – Add Salt and Let It Rise

Add the salt and knead for a few more minutes. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it,
and let it rise until doubled in size.
High oleic sunflower oil helps keep the dough soft and uniform during rising.

Black bread loaves in the oven brushed with Benvolio high oleic sunflower oil — Brushing with high oleic sunflower oil creates a golden, crispy crust.

Step 3 – Bake and Brush

Shape the loaf and let it rest again. Bake in a preheated oven.
During baking, brush the surface with extra

Benvolio High Oleic Sunflower Oil

to achieve a shiny, crispy, and well-protected crust.

Slices of black bread drizzled with Benvolio Italian extra virgin olive oil — The final touch of Italian EVO enhances aroma and flavor.

Step 4 – Finish with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Once baked, allow the black bread to cool slightly. Slice it and drizzle with

Benvolio Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

.
This is where EVO shines: intense aroma, full flavor, and a beautiful sheen that highlights the bread’s dark color.

Nutrition

Serving: 50gCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 2g

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