Recipe

New Nordic Focaccia

Nordic Herb-infused Focaccia with Sea Salt Crust

4.6 out of 5

In the context of New Nordic cuisine, this recipe takes the traditional Italian focaccia and gives it a Nordic twist. The New Nordic cuisine emphasizes the use of local and seasonal ingredients, as well as a focus on simplicity and natural flavors. This herb-infused focaccia with a crispy sea salt crust perfectly embodies the principles of the New Nordic cuisine.

Bread› Flatbread› Focaccia

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Nordic cuisines› Danish cuisine› New Nordic cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

20-25 minutes

Total time

1 hour 40 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if honey is substituted with sugar), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Egg-free

Allergens

Wheat

Not suitable for

Gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is typically made with olive oil and Mediterranean herbs, this New Nordic adaptation incorporates local Nordic herbs and sea salt to enhance the flavors. The use of locally sourced ingredients and the emphasis on simplicity and natural flavors are key differences in this adaptation. 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
10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
10g (2 tsp) sea salt 10g (2 tsp) sea salt
300ml (1 ¼ cups) lukewarm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) lukewarm water
50ml (3 ½ tbsp) rapeseed oil 50ml (3 ½ tbsp) rapeseed oil
Fresh Nordic herbs (such as dill, chives, and thyme) Fresh Nordic herbs (such as dill, chives, and thyme)
Sea salt flakes, for topping Sea salt flakes, for topping

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 1g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and rapeseed oil.
3.
Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
6.
Press your fingers into the dough to create dimples. Drizzle the dough with rapeseed oil and sprinkle with fresh Nordic herbs and sea salt flakes.
7.
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Fresh Nordic herbs — Use a variety of herbs like dill, chives, and thyme to infuse the focaccia with Nordic flavors. Chop the herbs finely before adding them to the dough for better distribution.

Tips & Tricks

For a more intense herb flavor, infuse the rapeseed oil with herbs by gently heating it with the herbs and letting it cool before using it in the dough.
Experiment with different Nordic herbs to find your favorite flavor combination.
Serve the focaccia warm with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Serving advice

Serve the Nordic Herb-infused Focaccia as an appetizer or alongside a hearty Nordic soup or stew. It is best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.

Presentation advice

Present the focaccia on a wooden cutting board or a rustic serving platter. Sprinkle some extra sea salt flakes and fresh herbs on top for an attractive and appetizing presentation.