Greek-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian Focaccia is typically seasoned with rosemary and sea salt, this Greek adaptation incorporates traditional Greek flavors. The Greek-style Focaccia features a blend of oregano, thyme, and marjoram, along with the addition of Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, giving it a distinct Mediterranean 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
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried marjoram 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water
• 60ml (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil 60ml (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 100g (3.5 oz) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 100g (3.5 oz) crumbled feta cheese 100g (3.5 oz) crumbled feta cheese

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 10g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (1g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, oregano, thyme, and marjoram.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the 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 5-7 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 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. Gently press and stretch the dough to form a rectangular shape.
7. 7.
   Press the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the surface of the dough.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the top of the dough with a little olive oil and sprinkle with additional dried herbs, if desired.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia turns golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kalamata olives — Rinse the olives under cold water to remove excess saltiness before using.
• Feta cheese — Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor and crumble it just before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Greek flavor, sprinkle some lemon zest over the top of the focaccia before baking.
• Serve the Greek-style Focaccia warm with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
• If you prefer a softer texture, brush the baked focaccia with olive oil immediately after removing it from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-style Focaccia as an appetizer, alongside a mezze platter, or as a delicious accompaniment to Greek salads and soups.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh oregano leaves and crumbled feta cheese on top of the baked focaccia.