Focaccia is a flat, chewy Italian bread that tastes
wonderful with added herbs and toppings.. It tastes simply delicious, the
cheese adding a savory note and the cherry tomatoes providing a perfect foil to
the olive oil infused bread. I was searching in Google for bread recipes and
this Italian bread caught all my attention due to the addition of herbs. This
bread can be adjusted according to your taste. In authentic recipe they use
Italian herbs (basil, Thyme, oregano, rosemary). I had only oregano, thyme and
mixed spices at home., so I made few variations in topping by mixing kasuri
methi,herbs and cheese. This is the first time I have made bread from the
scratch, although I’m not of a bread baking expert yet but My First Attempt of this
bread really turned out great and gorgeous looking.
My First Attempt of making Bread-Tried & Tasted!
Ingredients:
All Purpose Flour –
2-1/2 Cups
Active Dry Yeast –
1-1/4 tsp
Sugar – 1/2 tsp
Water – 1 cup
Olive oil – 4 tbsp
Salt – 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli powder –
1/2 tsp
Pepper powder- 1/2 tsp
Italian Seasoning – 1/4 tsp
Garlic, finely chopped –5 to 6 cloves
A mixture of these herbs –, oregano, Thyme, Mixed spices– 1
tsp. each
Topping:
Cherry tomatoes
kasuri methi (Dry fenugreek leaves)- 2 tsps
Herbs- 1 tsp
Grated Parmesan cheese - ¼ cup
Olive oil - 3 tbsp
Method:
1. Microwave the water in a microwave safe bowl for 30
seconds. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the dry yeast over
the water and stir vigorously till it somewhat dissolves and becomes a pasty
texture. Cover and keep aside for 10 Minutes. .
2. After 10 minutes when it has frothed add 3 tbsp of olive
oil, mix gently and keep aside.
For the Focaccia:
3. In a big mixing bowl tip in flour, salt, red chilli
powder, pepper powder ,Italian seasoning, finely chopped garlic and mix well
with your finger tips.
4. Add the developed yeast solution and bring everything
together till they form into a dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes till the dough is
smooth to the touch.
5. Smear olive oil all over the dough and place it in a
greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or cling wrap and let it rest for 1-2
hours or till it doubles in a warm place.
6. Punch the dough to release the air and place the dough in
a greased baking tin. Cover and let it once more rest for another 1/2 hour.
7. Make a few dimples on top the dough’s surface with your
finger. Brush the top with olive oil and top with cherry tomatoes, Kasuri methi,
herbs & cheese.
8. Bake in a pre heated oven 180 Deg Celsius for 30 minutes
or till the top becomes golden brown.
9. Take the baking tray out and Brush with very little olive oil;
sprinkle with grated cheese while still warm. Cut into desired shapes
10. Cool for 5 minutes. Slice and serve hot with tomato sauce.
