Focaccia Bread: A Warm Embrace of Italian Tradition
Focaccia is one of those magical creations in the world of baking that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and provides the perfect balance of fluffiness and crunch. There’s something so nurturing about making bread at home, don’t you think? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a delightful focaccia recipe that’s straightforward, rewarding, and bursting with flavor! If you’d like to receive this recipe and more like it by email, just let me know!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This focaccia bread is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s an experience. From its golden-brown crust to the soft, airy inside, it makes for an enchanting side dish to any meal or a splendid base for sandwiches. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it family-friendly, and you’ll love how it brings everyone together, especially when served warm from the oven. Plus, who can resist the fragrant scent of rosemary wafting through the air?
Ingredients
– 500g all-purpose flour
– 325ml warm water
– 10g salt
– 7g instant yeast
– 10ml honey
– 30ml olive oil (and extra for drizzling)
– 5g fresh rosemary
– 5g flaky sea salt
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowl
– Baking pan
– Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for rising)
– Whisk and wooden spoon or spatula
– Oven
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to customize your focaccia! You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Add herbs like thyme or oregano for an aromatic twist, or toss in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a delightful surprise. For a cheesy version, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top before baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is ready to work its magic!
2. Stir in the flour and salt until it forms a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it feels a little messy; that’s part of the charm.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, coat it lightly with olive oil and place it in a covered bowl to rise for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). While it heats, generously grease your baking pan with olive oil.
5. Once your dough has risen, gently transfer it to the pan, stretching it to fit. Make dimples using your fingers—the more, the better!
6. Drizzle olive oil over the top, and sprinkle fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt for that lovely extra touch.
7. Allow it to rise again for 20-30 minutes; this lets it puff up a bit more.
8. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it’s golden brown, and your kitchen is filled with heavenly scents.
9. After taking it out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing into that beautiful loaf!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy focaccia fresh, served alongside soups or salads, or use it as a base for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with a simple dipping oil or balsamic vinegar. And don’t forget, it’s a perfect partner for your favorite charcuterie board!
Pro Tips for Success
– Ensure your water isn’t too hot; this could kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature just above body temperature.
– When kneading, don’t rush! The longer you knead, the better the texture will be.
– If you want a thicker crust, bake it in a smaller pan to give it more substance.
Storing and Reheating
To store your focaccia, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place it in an airtight container. It lasts for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For a warm, fresh taste, reheat it in the oven for a few minutes at 180°C (350°F) to bring back that crusty exterior.
FAQ Section
– Can I freeze focaccia? Yes! It’s great for freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Just thaw and heat when you’re ready to enjoy!
– What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? Dried rosemary works beautifully too! Use about half the amount.
– What makes focaccia different from regular bread? Focaccia is known for its dimpled surface and usually includes olive oil and herbs, giving it a unique flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This homemade focaccia recipe isn’t just about baking bread; it’s about creating something wonderful to share with others. With its rich flavors and lovely aroma, every bite transports you to an Italian trattoria. I invite you to experiment, share your results, and even tag your focaccia adventures on Pinterest or Instagram! Let’s spread the joy of baking together!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 5g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Fiber: 1g
– Protein: 4g
– Sodium: 130mg
Happy baking, and may your focaccia rise to new heights!