Classic Sea Salt, Olives & Rosemary Focaccia

Classic Sea Salt, Olives & Rosemary Focaccia

 

Classic Sea Salt, Olives & Rosemary Focaccia

If you're a bread lover, then you must try focaccia! This Italian flatbread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be served as a snack, an appetizer, or as a main dish. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, focaccia is an easy bread to bake at home, and it's perfect for dipping in sauces, olive oil, or even using as sandwich bread.

But what makes focaccia such a great choice for any meal? It's incredibly versatile. You can top it with any number of ingredients like olives, herbs, garlic, and cheese, making it a great canvas for creative flavor combinations.

The texture of focaccia is also a standout feature. The bread has a light and airy crumb with a tender, chewy texture. The crust is crispy and golden brown, making it the perfect complement to the soft, fluffy interior.

Focaccia is also incredibly easy to make. All you need is a few basic ingredients, a bit of patience, and a little creativity. You can experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own unique version of this delicious bread.

 

A little background on focaccia..
Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that has a rich history and cultural significance. The bread originated in Genoa, a coastal city in northwest Italy, and has been a staple food in the region for centuries.

Focaccia's roots can be traced back to ancient Rome, where soldiers would cook a flatbread on their shields over an open fire. Over time, the recipe for this bread evolved, and it became a popular food among the working-class people in Genoa.

Focaccia was traditionally made using simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, which were readily available and affordable for most people. The bread was often used as a substitute for more expensive breads like ciabatta or baguette.
Today, focaccia has become a popular bread around the world, with many variations and adaptations to suit different tastes and cultures. It remains an important part of Italian cuisine and continues to be a beloved food in Genoa and beyond.

So if you're looking for a delicious and easy bread to add to your recipe collection, look no further than focaccia. With its versatile flavors and textures, it's the perfect bread for any meal or occasion. Try making it yourself at home, and enjoy the taste of Italy right in your own kitchen.

 

 

  RECIPE BY VANIECE

 

YIELD: 1 LOAF

ACTIVE TIME: 25 MIN

PROOF TIME: 2H 20 MIN

BAKING TIME: 12 MIN

TOTAL TIME: ~3 HOURS

INGREDIENTS
  • 175g very strong white flour
  • 75g 00’ flour
  • 160g room temperature water
  • 1tbsp honey
  • 25g extra virgin olive oil
  • 5g salt
  • 7g fresh yeast

 

 TOPPINGS
  • Olives
  • Rosemary
  • Himalayan pink salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil

 

 

 

DIRECTIONS
  • In a stand mixer, dissolve the fresh yeast in water. 
  • With the exception of olive oil, add all ingredients. With a dough hook, mix for 5 minutes on medium speed. Add olive oil and mix a further 6 minutes on high speed.
  • Grease a rectangular baking tray and flatten the dough on the tray. Allow to rest for 1 hour.
  • Make dimples with your finger tips and continue to flatten the dough until it is 1.2-1.5cm thick. Press the rosemary and olives to the bottom of the pan.  Allow to rest for another hour.
  • Drizzle olive oil on the dough. Sprinkle sea salt flakes or pink Himalayan salt on top.
  • Preheat the oven at 250C. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

 

 

 

Happy baking,

Vaniece xx

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