Herbed Focaccia Bread Recipe
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Total Time: 120 minutes
- Prep Time: 100 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Warm Milk | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mixed Dried Herbs (oregano, garlic, etc.) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring they’re ready for use. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine both the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, active dry yeast, salt, and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs. Stir these together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. If you’re using Urban Platter Instant Dry Yeast, there’s no need to proof it beforehand. -
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the warm milk, honey, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything together into a cohesive dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little bit of water to help bring it together. -
Knead the Dough:
Once combined, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until the dough becomes firm and smooth. -
Let the Dough Rise:
After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour. You should notice the dough has risen and doubled in size. -
Preheat the Oven:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking. -
Prepare the Baking Tray:
Lightly grease a flat baking tray with some olive oil. Sprinkle a small amount of rice flour over the surface to prevent sticking. -
Shape the Dough:
Punch the risen dough down gently on a floured surface. Flatten it with your fingers, stretching it out to fit the size of your baking tray. Pinch the dough to create small depressions across the top. -
Add Olive Oil and Herbs:
Brush a little extra olive oil over the top of the dough. Then, sprinkle the remaining dried mixed herbs over the surface, gently pressing them into the dough. -
Bake the Focaccia:
Transfer the prepared dough onto the greased and floured baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing it into squares or wedges. Serve the freshly baked Herbed Focaccia Bread with a comforting Light and Creamy Broccoli Soup for a delightful and wholesome meal.
Tips for Perfect Focaccia Bread:
- Add-ins: You can experiment with different add-ins like olives, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes for a variation on the classic recipe.
- Olive Oil: The quality of the olive oil makes a difference in flavor, so opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it helps develop a light, airy texture in the bread.
- Serving Suggestion: This focaccia bread pairs wonderfully with dips like balsamic vinegar and olive oil, or you can use it as a side to a flavorful pasta dish.
Enjoy baking this herbed focaccia bread – it’s easy, satisfying, and the perfect accompaniment to many meals!
