Are you craving warm, crusty bread with a surprising kick? Look no further! This black pepper focaccia recipe is the perfect easy recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal, whether it's a quick dinner idea or a delightful addition to a larger spread. Homemade cooking doesn't get much easier or more rewarding than this fantastic recipe. Get ready to elevate your bread game with this simple yet impressive dish. This recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for a new favorite addition to their healthy meals repertoire. It's one of the best recipes for satisfying that carb craving in a flavorful and memorable way.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, resulting in a beautifully risen focaccia.
Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Then, gradually incorporate the olive oil, kneading until a smooth and slightly sticky dough comes together. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shaping the Focaccia
Lightly flour a baking sheet. Gently transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and stretch it out to fill the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. This creates air pockets that will give your focaccia a lovely airy texture.
Step 5: Season and Rise Again
Drizzle the focaccia with olive oil and sprinkle generously with freshly cracked black pepper. Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You'll know it's ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Let the focaccia cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dips or as a side to soups and salads.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Focaccia:
- Water Temperature: Ensure your water is the correct temperature – too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold will hinder its activation.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can lead to a tough focaccia. Knead until the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper: Using freshly cracked black pepper makes a significant difference in flavor and aroma.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your focaccia to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Rosemary Focaccia: Add fresh rosemary sprigs along with the pepper.
- Garlic Focaccia: Incorporate minced garlic into the dough or sprinkle roasted garlic cloves on top before baking.
- Herb Focaccia: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or a mix of Italian herbs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your focaccia and the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving provides approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
This black pepper focaccia recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish. It's a perfect addition to any meal and a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!