Italian Focaccia

Focaccia, the classic Italian flatbread, has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, and it's not hard to see why. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, irresistible texture, dimpled surface, crunchy exterior, and mouthwatering taste, Focaccia is a dish that truly stands the test of time.

Whether served as a side dish, topped with fresh ingredients or enjoyed on its own, Focaccia satisfies even the most demanding of bread cravings.

The Simplisity of Focaccia

The beauty of Focaccia is that it is made with simple and easily accessible ingredients. Crafted from humble ingredients such as flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt, this simple bread has been transformed into a versatile masterpiece. To make the dough, the ingredients are combined and kneaded until a soft and elastic dough forms. The dough is then allowed to rise until doubled in size before being shaped and dimpled with your fingertips. The dimpled surface of the bread is not just for aesthetics, but it helps the bread absorb more oil and salt, creating a crunchy exterior with a soft and tender interior. Before baking, the bread is brushed with olive oil, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. The bread is then baked in a hot oven until golden brown, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Focaccia toppings

One of the great things about Focaccia is the endless variations of toppings and flavourings. Some of the most popular toppings for Focaccia include fresh tomatoes, cheese, red onion and rosemary, as well as topped with boiled potatoes. The bread can also be seasoned with salt, black pepper, or other herbs to give it a unique flavour.

For the dough, you need the following:

500g strong flour
7 grams of dry yeast
325 ml tepid water, not hot
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon of olive oil

How you make the dough:

Add the salt and the flour to a bowl.
In a separate bowl add the yeast and the tepid water and stir together.
When the yeast has activated and starts to foam, after about 5 minutes, add it to the flour.
Srire with a spoon to a rough dough.
Add the dough to a floured work surface and need it for about 10 minutes or til it is elastic.
Cover the dough with the bowl and let it rest in a warm place for about 40 minutes.

For the topping and baking, you need the following:

3 tablespoons of olive oil
15 cherry tomatoes, cut in halves
A good pinch of fresh rosemary or thyme
Salt
Optional toppings: Red onion, olives or caper

How to make the Focaccia with toppings:

When the 40 minutes of resting have passed, add a tablespoon of oil to a baking tin, about 25 x 35cm.
Carefully add the dough to the oiled baking tin and press it out using your knuckles or fingers, making deep howls down to the bottom of the dough.
Drizzle over 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Lightly oil the herbs and add them to the dough.
Press down the halves of tomatoes, capers, red onion or any other preferred toppings into the dough.
Cover the dough with a wet kitchen towel and let it rest again for about 45 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
When the dough has doubled in size, place it in the middle of the oven and back for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden with a crisp top.
Drizzle over a tablespoon of olive oil and let the Focaccia cool down for about 10 minutes before serving.

Focaccia is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you are serving it as a side dish, using it as a base for toppings, or simply enjoying it on its own, Focaccia is sure to impress and leave you wanting more. So, next time you're in the mood for something hearty and comforting, consider giving Focaccia a try.