Are you craving a taste of the Mediterranean sun? Then look no further! This focaccia recipe, inspired by the renowned Paul Hollywood, will transport your taste buds to sun-drenched Italian shores. Forget complicated baking; this recipe is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a delicious, homemade treat. It’s a fantastic addition to any meal – serve it alongside soups, salads, or simply enjoy it warm with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Get ready to create a truly impressive and incredibly flavorful focaccia!
Ingredients:
- 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
- 10g salt
- 300ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Rosemary sprigs
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, leading to a beautifully risen focaccia.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Then, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and continue kneading until a smooth, elastic dough develops. This step may take 5-7 minutes. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy!
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 or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Focaccia
Lightly flour a baking sheet. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and stretch it to fill the sheet, creating an even layer about 1.5cm thick. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. This is key to the characteristic appearance of focaccia.
Step 5: Second Rise and Flavor Infusion
Drizzle the focaccia with olive oil. Tuck in fresh rosemary sprigs and sprinkle generously with sea salt flakes. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to puff up further.
Step 6: Baking Perfection
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze.
Tips for Focaccia Success:
- Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water; too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will hinder its activation.
- Flour Type: Strong bread flour is recommended for its gluten content, resulting in a chewy texture.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can lead to a tough focaccia.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or even sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
- Cheese: Crumble some feta or parmesan cheese onto the dough before baking.
- Sweet Focaccia: Add a sprinkle of sugar and use different herbs like lavender.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on size and added ingredients)
- Fat: Around 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g
- Protein: Around 5-7g
This delicious focaccia recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that can be made quickly. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or a satisfying homemade cooking experience, it offers a delicious dish everyone will enjoy. This really is one of the best recipes around for flavorful, homemade bread. Enjoy!