Eggless Herbed Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Eggless Herbed Focaccia Bread is a delightful and savory addition to your meal. It’s perfect as a tea-time snack, a side dish for pasta nights, or simply enjoyed on its own. The soft, fluffy texture combined with fragrant herbs creates a delicious bread that is easy to make and sure to impress. Though the recipe takes about 2 hours to allow the dough to rise, trust me—the wait is absolutely worth it! Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this Eggless Herbed Focaccia Bread will turn out beautifully on the first try, and it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1-1/4 cups |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil (for greasing the tray) | As required |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tulsi (Holy Basil) | 2 tablespoons |
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek) | 2 tablespoons |
| Mint and Coriander Leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek) | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As required |
Preparation Time:
150 minutes (including proofing time)
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: Begin by heating the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. Stir in the sugar to allow it to dissolve completely. Next, grease your baking tray with a little oil and set it aside. Once the milk and sugar mixture has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface, stirring gently to dissolve. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the yeast activate and become foamy.
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the proven yeast mixture and the olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix everything together and knead until you form a soft, medium-tight dough. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
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Proof the Dough: Once the dough is kneaded, roll it out on a flat surface to about one-inch thickness. Then, cut the dough into a shape that fits your greased baking tray. Place the rolled dough onto the tray, pressing gently to fit. Let it rise for at least 2 hours in a warm, draft-free area, until it has doubled in size.
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Prepare the Topping: While the dough is proving, heat some oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh herbs—tulsi, methi, mint, coriander, kasuri methi, and oregano—and sauté them for about 30 seconds, just until they release their fragrance. Set this mixture aside.
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Preheat the Oven: After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes.
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Shape and Add Topping: Once the dough has doubled in size, use your forefinger to gently press deep indentations all over the surface of the dough, spaced about 1 inch apart. Spoon the prepared herb mixture evenly over the dough, spreading it out to cover the surface completely. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for extra flavor.
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Bake the Focaccia: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. After 15 minutes, check the focaccia, and if it needs more time, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. If you’re using an OTG (Oven Toaster Grill) oven, bake for 15 minutes in baking mode, then switch to grill mode for an additional 10 minutes to get a golden, crispy top.
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Serve: Once the focaccia is baked to a golden-brown perfection, remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Serve the Eggless Herbed Focaccia Bread warm with Spicy Mexican Salsa Verde and Roasted Vegetable Pasta Primavera for a delightful meal.
Allergen Information:
- Contains Gluten: This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. It is not suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is dairy-free, making it a suitable option for those following a dairy-free diet.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is completely vegetarian and can be enjoyed by those following a vegetarian diet.
- Eggless: As the name suggests, this focaccia bread does not contain eggs, making it ideal for those who follow an egg-free diet.
Cooking Tips:
- Proofing the Dough: Ensuring the dough proves well is key to achieving the fluffy texture of focaccia. Make sure the yeast is fresh, and the milk isn’t too hot when adding it to the yeast mixture.
- Add More Herbs: For an extra punch of flavor, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
- Storage: The focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated or frozen.
Conclusion:
This Eggless Herbed Focaccia Bread is an easy-to-make, flavorful, and egg-free bread that will make a fantastic addition to any meal. With its soft, airy texture and aromatic herbal topping, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it with a comforting pasta dish or serving it as a simple snack with a tangy salsa, this focaccia bread will elevate your dining experience. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delightful homemade bread!
