Turkish-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian Focaccia is typically seasoned with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt, this Turkish adaptation incorporates traditional Turkish spices such as sumac and za'atar. Additionally, the Turkish-style Focaccia is topped with sesame seeds and nigella seeds, adding a distinct nutty flavor. These modifications infuse the bread with the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Turkish 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
• 1 tsp sumac 1 tsp sumac
• 1 tsp za'atar 1 tsp za'atar
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp nigella seeds 2 tbsp nigella seeds

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, sumac, and za'atar.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil and warm water.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Gently press the dough with your fingertips to create dimples.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the sesame seeds and nigella seeds evenly over the dough.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Sumac — Look for sumac in Middle Eastern or specialty stores. It adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the bread.
• Za'atar — Za'atar is a blend of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac. You can make your own or find it in stores.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Turkish flavor, sprinkle some extra sumac and za'atar on top of the bread before baking.
• Serve the Turkish-style Focaccia with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Experiment with different toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Istanbul Focaccia as an appetizer or alongside a Turkish mezze spread. It pairs perfectly with creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, or tangy tzatziki. You can also enjoy it as a sandwich bread, filled with your favorite Turkish ingredients like grilled vegetables, falafel, or kebabs.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a little olive oil over the baked Focaccia and sprinkle some extra sesame seeds and nigella seeds on top. Serve it on a wooden board or a rustic platter to showcase its homemade charm.