i have been recently addicted to focaccia. whenever we drop by dailybread in the weekends i am sure to pick garlic and onion cheese foccacia.On our way home back, we used to visit the dialybread store. It was only during the weekends we would be fortunate to find the focaccia.They would stock up the fresh baked goodies everyday by 10am so only during the weekends we shall find them on the rack. We bought them regularly and it was our sunday morning breakfast. now a days we avoid them for the cheese in it.
One good thing about this focaccia is it is made with olive oil and the flavours infused in it make the whole bread aromatic and yummy Secondly, it is more better than the store bought ones as it is made with whole wheat flour.Yes, it was surprisingly more good than the store bought ones and sure healthy one too. It would appear so simple to the ones who has already proved success in making pizzas at home. Yes, the dough making is the major task which is more like the pizza dough. If the dough leavens correctly, then you are assured of a good focaccia.I enjoyed the aroma that spreads all over the home while baking which tunes the tummy to invite the focaccia.
for dough:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup water
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp yeast
1 + 1 tsp olive oil
salt to taste
for oil:
2 tbsp olive oil
3 pods crushed garlic
1 fistful chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 tsp redchilli powder
Method:
1. In a bowl of warm water dissolve salt and sugar. Add yeast and stir. Leave this aside for 10-15 minutes until the entire mixture becomes frothy.
2.in a bowl add flour, 1 tsp of olive oil and the yeast mixture, combine them with a help of a spoon. Knead the mixture to form a smooth, elastic and sticky dough. finally knead using 1 tsp of olive oil and rest the dough covered in a deep bowl for 1 to 1.5 hrs in a warm place. i prefer to keep inside oven after running microwave high for 30 sec.
3. in a microwave bowl add 2 tbsp of olive oil, crushed garlic and heat it up for 30 + 30 sec. This allows the flavour of garlic to infuse into the oil. add chopped basil leaves and red chilli powder and microwave high for 30 sec. Allow the flavours steep into the oil for 30 min.
4. when the dough has raised, remove and punch down the trapped air. knead it for a while and spread the dough into a suitable sized greased baking pan. Make indentions in the dough as you spread. Pour the oilve oil mixture all over and continue to make indentions.
5. Sprinkle little salt all over. Rest the dough for 45 min atleast. Preheat the oven to 200C for 15-20 min and bake for 25-30min or till the top turns golden brown. cool on wire racks and serve warm.
Notes:
1. Any fresh herbs, combination of herbs or dry herbs shall be used. Even coriander and mint can be used, but the flavour depends upon the herb being used.
2. It tastes best when hot. Taste goes down with time and it is not so good to taste the next day.
3. Use enough olive oil mixture and ensure to cover with oil all over.
4. After first leavening, the dough shall be refrigerated and baked the next day.
5. Use good quality of olive oil as it is the star ingredient in bringing out the taste.
Thanks for reading the recipe, if you like this recipe please leave a comment below.
