Sift flour into a large bowl with salt and sugar. Stir in yeast. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients. Add pepper, olive oil and water. Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Mix into a soft dough, adding more water if necessary. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Mix in olives. Place in a greased bowl and sprinkle with a few drops of water. Cover bowl with a cling film, then a towel. Allow to rest in a warm place for 1 hour.

Grease and flour baking tray. Lightly knead dough and shape into 2 X 25 cm long loaves. Place on prepared tray, sprinkle with flour and cover with a cloth. Stand for another 15 minutes, until the dough has risen and doubled in size. Preheat oven to 220 deg C. Bake loaves for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 180 deg C and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until bread is well risen and golden. Serve warm or cool.