Mediterranean Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is typically flavored with rosemary and olive oil, this Mediterranean adaptation incorporates additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes and olives to capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. These additions lend a burst of tanginess and brininess to the bread, elevating its flavor profile. 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
• 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
• 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil 1 tbsp dried basil
• 100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 100g (3.5 oz) black olives, pitted and halved 100g (3.5 oz) black olives, pitted and halved
• Sea salt, for sprinkling Sea salt, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
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 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 risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently press and stretch the dough to fit the baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives evenly over the dough.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the top with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
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 slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sun-dried tomatoes — If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, make sure to drain them well before chopping and adding to the dough.
• Black olives — Choose your favorite variety of black olives, such as Kalamata or Niçoise, for a rich and briny flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the sun-dried tomatoes and olives in olive oil and herbs for a few hours before adding them to the dough.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your Mediterranean focaccia. Try adding dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of za'atar.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Focaccia warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a side of hummus or tzatziki for dipping.

Presentation advice

For an eye-catching presentation, garnish the top of the focaccia with fresh basil leaves and a few extra sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Cut it into squares or wedges for easy serving.