Cake With Olives, Ham and Goat Cheese : The ideal autumn brunch

The term cake in English denotes a sweet desert. In France, the French word for sweet deserts is the “gateau”. However “cake” in France and for that matter throughout Europe rather refers to a baked salted cake made with olives, ham, cheese etc. This recipe is about that European cake, which is really popular in French cuisine.

In fact the term “cake” in French and as well as in English is derived from the old Norse word “kaka” which denotes fruitcake or plumcake. Thus in Europe, cakes are exclusively rectangular in shape and made in what is commonly known as the bread pan. In fact the cakes are very similar to breads with the exception of using baking powder for cakes instead of yeast commonly used for bread.

The cakes come in loaves and are served in slices similar to bread (or rather brioche). The most common cake available almost everywhere throughout France is made with olives and ham. Rather exclusive versions include goat cheese (chevre) which prevents the cakes from being too dry. They are delicious and can be had for regular brunches or in the evening between meals. This is a simple and authentic recipe of the cake with olives, ham and goat cheese.

Ingredients

Goat cheese : 160 grams

Black olives (deseeded) : 80 grams

Ham (cubes) : 100 grams

Flour : 1 cup

Eggs : 4

Olive oil (Extra Virgin Cold pressed) : 1/2 cup

Milk : 1/2 cup

Baking powder : 11 gram (1 sachet)

Butter : for buttering the pan

Salt : 1 teaspoon

There are many types of goat cheese (click here for some examples) and some with geographic protection (AOC). For this recipe, you can use any type of cheese, but it has to be soft. I prefer the fresh goat cheese which is available in France.

Procedures

Cut the olives into thin round slices.

Cut the goat cheese roughly into dices.

Take the eggs in a deep bottomed bowl and add salt to it.

Add the olive oil to the eggs.

Beat the eggs and mix well.

Add the milk.

Mix well.

Take the flour and add the baking powder to it.

Add the flour and baking powder to the egg mix.

Mix well.

Add the ham cubes.

Add the olives.

Mix well.

Add the goat cheese.

Fold in the mixture with a spatula. The final consistency should be like this.

Butter a nonstick bread pan.

Pour the batter in the pan.

Bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes at 180°C.

After 45 minutes, poke the cake with a knife. If it comes out clean the cake is ready.

The cake should come out of the pan neatly.

Serve them in slices.

  

Printable Recipe

Cake With Olives, Ham and Goat Cheese.
Author: Mitanti Ghosh
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking time: 45 min
Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 350 kcal

The word “Cake” in France refers to a baked salted cake made with olives, ham, cheese etc. They are exclusively rectangular in shape and made in a bread pan. Rather exclusive versions include goat cheese (chevre) which prevents the cakes from being too dry. This is a simple and authentic recipe of the French cake with olives, ham and goat cheese.

Ingredients:

• Goat cheese : 160 grams
• Black olives (deseeded) : 80 grams
• Ham (cubes) : 100 grams
• Flour : 1 cup
• Eggs : 4
• Olive oil (Extra Virgin Cold pressed) : 1/2 cup
• Milk : 1/2 cup
• Baking powder : 11 gram (1 sachet)
• Butter : for buttering the pan
• Salt : 1 teaspoon

Instructions:

1. Cut the olives into thin round slices.
2. Cut the goat cheese roughly into dices.
3. Take the eggs in a deep bottomed bowl and add salt, olive oil, milk, flour and baking powder.
4. Mix well.
5. Add the ham cubes, olives and the goat cheese.
6. Fold in the mixture with a spatula.
7. Butter a nonstick bread pan and pour the batter in the pan.
8. Bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes at 180°C.