Whole Wheat Sun Dried Tomato Focaccia Bread: A Healthy Homemade Delight
Embarking on a culinary adventure to create your very own Whole Wheat Sun Dried Tomato Focaccia Bread is a rewarding experience that brings together the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour and the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. This Italian-inspired recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes to a healthy diet, making it an ideal choice for dinner or as an appetizer at gatherings. The following is a detailed recipe that will guide you through each step, ensuring you create a deliciously soft and flavorful focaccia that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
To create this exquisite focaccia bread, gather the following ingredients, which seamlessly blend together to provide a rich flavor and nutritious base:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (coarsely pounded) | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Lukewarm Water | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 onion |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of your ingredients helps you appreciate the health benefits of your homemade focaccia. Below is an approximation of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 120 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 150 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | Italian Recipes |
| Course | Dinner |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To begin your focaccia-making journey, take a large mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, honey, active dry yeast, dried oregano, rosemary, and coarsely pounded black pepper. These dry ingredients form the flavorful base of your bread, infusing it with aromatic herbs and a touch of sweetness from the honey.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, add in the extra virgin olive oil and lukewarm water. The warmth of the water is crucial as it activates the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully. Mix the ingredients until they form a cohesive dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process is essential for developing the gluten structure, which gives the focaccia its delightful chewy texture.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl and place the kneaded dough inside, turning it around to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set it in a warm place to rise for about an hour. During this time, the dough will double in size as the yeast ferments, creating air bubbles that contribute to the bread’s lightness.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 200°C (about 392°F). This high temperature is key to achieving a golden, crispy crust on your focaccia.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air. Transfer it back onto a floured surface and flatten it gently with your fingers. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. This not only looks beautiful but also allows the focaccia to capture olive oil and toppings effectively.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the top of your dough with additional herbs, the thinly sliced onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. These toppings will infuse the bread with rich flavors and textures that complement the base.
Step 8: Bake the Focaccia
Transfer the prepared focaccia to a greased baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. This baking time will give you a perfectly cooked focaccia with a delightful contrast of a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. This bread can be served warm as a side dish or an appetizer. Its delightful aroma and rustic appearance will surely impress your guests at any dinner or gathering.
Conclusion
This Whole Wheat Sun Dried Tomato Focaccia Bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that invites you into the kitchen to create something truly wonderful. With its nourishing ingredients, this focaccia is a testament to the joys of homemade cooking, bringing flavors of Italy to your table while maintaining a focus on health and wellness. Whether enjoyed on its own, dipped in olive oil, or served alongside soups and salads, this bread is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and share this delightful bread with those you love!
