Focaccia bread has won my heart. Whenever I go to California Pizza Kitchen, mediterranean focaccia -small craving is a must try plate. Eversince I ate Focaccia first time, I started making with different flavors. Focaccia can be served with marinara sauce or dipping oil. Sometimes, i crave so badly that I just go to Walmart and grab ready baked focaccia from their bakery and make some dipping oil or just use sauce and serve warm. I usually warm in my toaster oven and good to go so I guess this kind of setting is perfect for special ocassion. On valentine, if you have time, bake focaccia at home or buy ready and have valentine evening celebration with this starter.
This bread can be made with flavors as well such as cheese, onion, garlic, and herbs.
Instructions
If making dough with your hand:
In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour; stir well to combine. Stir in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all of the flour is absorbed. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for about 1 minute.
3. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
Now, follow steps below from number 5.
If using Processor:
1. In the bowl of a food processor or stand mixer, drop the yeast and sugar into the warm water. Let it stand to proof for about ten minutes.
2. Add only 1 cup of flour along with the salt and pulse the processor or use the dough hook of the mixer to blend thoroughly.
3. Add the rest of the flour and the olive oil and mix well until you have a ball of dough that is not sticky, but is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes.
5. On a floured counter or flat surface punch out the dough to form either a large circle or rectangular shape. Place onto a baking sheet covered in parchment paper.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°.
7. Using the teeth of a fork, poke holes all over the dough. Then, using the pad of your fingers, poke the dough lightly in various places to form indentations. Cover with a towel and allow the dough to rest for another 30 minutes or until it has risen.
8. Using a pastry brush, rub the extra oil all over the surface of the bread dough.
9. Place the bread into the hot oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until is a golden brown on top. Be careful not to overcook or it will become very hard.
Basic Focaccia bread can be served with dipping oil or sauce.
Italian Herb Dipping Oil
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed,
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
1.On a small plate, measure out dried basil and oregano and crush between fingers.
2.Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3.Pour extra virgin olive oil over top and serve with fresh, crusty bread.
Notes
If making with herbs, In a small skillet, saute the onion, rosemary and thyme in the remaining oil for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Spread evenly on dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 min.
Condiments to go with focaccia bread.
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