Croatian-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the Italian Focaccia is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, the Croatian-style Focaccia adds a touch of Mediterranean flair with the inclusion of local ingredients such as Dalmatian olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and oregano. This adaptation infuses the bread with the vibrant flavors of Croatian cuisine. 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
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 60ml (¼ cup) Dalmatian olive oil 60ml (¼ cup) Dalmatian olive oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
• Sea salt, for sprinkling Sea salt, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it down gently to form a rectangular shape.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and oregano evenly over the dough. Press them lightly into the surface.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the top with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
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...

• Sun-dried tomatoes — Make sure to drain any excess oil from the sun-dried tomatoes before chopping and using them in the recipe. This will prevent the bread from becoming too oily.
• Dalmatian olive oil — Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil from the Dalmatian region for an authentic Croatian flavor.
• Fresh herbs — If you can't find fresh rosemary or oregano, you can substitute them with dried herbs. However, the flavor may be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil and herbs for a few hours before using them in the recipe.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the Focaccia with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing it from the oven.
• Serve the Croatian-style Focaccia warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Focaccia as an appetizer or alongside a traditional Croatian meal. It pairs well with cured meats, cheeses, and olives. For a complete Croatian experience, serve it with a glass of local red wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Focaccia with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt. Cut it into rectangular slices and arrange them on a wooden serving board for a rustic touch.