Kerala-style Spiced Focaccia

Ingredients

In this Kerala-style adaptation of Focaccia, we incorporate traditional South Indian spices and flavors to give the bread a distinct taste. The original Italian Focaccia typically uses olive oil, while our recipe calls for coconut oil, which is commonly used in Kerala cuisine. Additionally, we incorporate curry leaves, mustard seeds, and black pepper to infuse the bread with the vibrant flavors of Kerala. We alse have the original recipe for Focaccia Veneta, 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
• 2 tbsp coconut oil 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup warm water 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp curry leaves, finely chopped 1 tbsp curry leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground 1 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground
• Extra coconut oil for greasing Extra coconut oil for greasing
• Sea salt flakes, for topping Sea salt flakes, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the coconut oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, heat a small pan over medium heat and add the curry leaves, mustard seeds, and black pepper. Toast them for a few minutes until fragrant.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Add the toasted spice mixture and knead it into the dough until well incorporated.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
8. 8.
   Grease a baking sheet with coconut oil. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and gently press it down to form a rectangular shape, about 1 inch thick.
9. 9.
   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes.
10. 10.
    Using your fingertips, make deep indentations all over the dough.
11. 11.
    Drizzle some coconut oil over the top and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut oil — Make sure to use virgin coconut oil for its distinct flavor and aroma.
• Curry leaves — If fresh curry leaves are not available, you can use dried curry leaves, but reduce the quantity by half.
• Mustard seeds — Toasting the mustard seeds before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add finely chopped green chilies to the dough.
• Serve the Spiced Focaccia with a side of coconut chutney or tomato chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings such as grated coconut, sesame seeds, or chopped onions for added texture and taste.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store it 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 Kerala-style Spiced Focaccia as an appetizer, alongside a bowl of hot lentil soup or as a side dish with a traditional Kerala meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped curry leaves and mustard seeds on top of the baked Focaccia. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter to showcase its homemade charm.