Vegetarian Focaccia

Ingredients

The original Italian focaccia typically includes toppings like cheese, cured meats, or vegetables. In this vegetarian adaptation, we omit the animal-based ingredients and focus on enhancing the flavors with a variety of herbs and seasonings. This ensures a delicious and satisfying experience for those following a vegetarian diet. 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
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt 1 tbsp coarse sea salt

Nutrition

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

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 sticky dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until 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 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently press and stretch the dough to fit the baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped rosemary, thyme, basil, and coarse sea salt.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. 9.
   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 its rich flavor and aroma.
• Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh herbs to enhance the taste and fragrance of the focaccia.
• Coarse sea salt — The coarse texture of sea salt adds a delightful crunch to the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, infuse the olive oil with the herbs by gently heating them together in a small saucepan before drizzling over the dough.
• Experiment with different herb combinations such as oregano, sage, or parsley to suit your taste preferences.
• Serve the focaccia warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.
• To reheat, wrap the focaccia in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Vegetarian Focaccia as an appetizer with a side of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping. It also pairs well with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.

Presentation advice

Present the focaccia on a wooden cutting board or a rustic serving platter. Sprinkle some additional fresh herbs on top for an appealing visual touch.