Arab-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian Focaccia is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs like rosemary, this Arab adaptation incorporates za'atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend. The za'atar adds a unique tangy and earthy flavor to the bread, making it distinctively Arab in taste. We alse have the original recipe for Focaccia, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp za'atar 1 tbsp za'atar
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• Extra olive oil for drizzling Extra olive oil for drizzling
• Additional za'atar for topping Additional za'atar for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and za'atar.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Gently press the dough with your fingertips to create dimples on the surface.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with additional za'atar.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Za'atar — Use a high-quality za'atar blend for the best flavor. If you can't find za'atar, you can make your own by combining dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.

Tips & Tricks

• For a softer texture, brush the baked Focaccia with olive oil immediately after removing it from the oven.
• Experiment with different toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to add extra flavor to your Arab-style Focaccia.
• Serve the Focaccia warm as an appetizer or alongside a hearty Middle Eastern meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style Focaccia warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with dips like hummus, baba ganoush, or labneh. You can also enjoy it as a side to soups, stews, or grilled meats.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or mint over the top of the Focaccia before serving. Cut it into squares or wedges for easy serving.