Ah, focaccia bread! This Italian-origin flatbread has won hearts worldwide with its crispy exterior and tender, airy interior, studded with delicious toppings or fillings. While traditional recipes can take hours, we're here to share a quick focaccia bread recipe that'll have your kitchen filled with that comforting aroma in no time. Let's dive in!
Before we start, remember that quick doesn't mean compromised. This recipe uses instant yeast, cutting down the wait time without sacrificing the unique focaccia flavor.
Gather Your Ingredients
First, let's ensure we have all the ingredients ready. Focaccia bread might seem intimidating, but it's made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
Here's what you'll need:
- 400g strong white bread flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 300ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- optional toppings: chopped herbs (like rosemary or thyme), sea salt, minced garlic, etc.
Mixing the Dough
Now, let's combine our ingredients. In a large bowl, mix your flour, instant yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil.
Using a wooden spoon, mix until a soft dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a splash of water. But remember, we're going for quick, not perfect!
Let it Rest
Once mixed, cover your bowl with a damp tea towel and leave it in a warm, draft-free place to rest for 10 minutes. This gives the gluten a quick start on developing, making your focaccia lighter and fluffier.
After 10 minutes, give the dough a brief knead - just until it's smooth and elastic. Then, it's time to shape our focaccia!
Shape and Rest Again
Grease a baking sheet (around 20x30cm or a similar size) with olive oil. Plop your dough onto the prepared sheet and gently stretch it out to fit. Don't worry if it doesn't cover the whole sheet; the dough will rise to fill the space.
Now, here's the fun part: use your fingers to dimple the surface of the dough. Not only does this distribute the olive oil and add texture, but it also creates those delightful little pockets perfect for catching olive oil and topping flavors.
Preheat Your Oven
While your focaccia rests, preheat your oven to 220Β°C (200Β°C fan) or Gas Mark 8. νλμ Grandma-style with a large roasting tin filled with water placed on the lowest oven shelf. This steams your focaccia as it bakes, giving it that crispy exterior and chewy interior.
Once your oven's up to temperature, you're almost there!
Bake and Top
Lightly drizzle the top of your focaccia with more olive oil and add your choice of toppings. Our favorite combination is a sprinkle of sea salt, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary, but use whatever tickles your fancy!
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and glorious. Remove from the oven and let it cool - if you can resist, that is!
There you have it - a quick focaccia bread recipe ready to satisfy your craving in under an hour. Happy baking!