If you're a fan of Meghan Markle and eager to incorporate some royalty-inspired cooking into your repertoire, you might be interested in whipping up a batch of her favorite Italian bread, focaccia. Although she didn't learn this recipe in the royal kitchens, the actress-turned-duchess has shared her love for this delicious carb with the world.
Focaccia is a versatile and flavorful flatbread that originated in Italy. It's perfect for sandwiches, accompany soups, or simply enjoyed on its own with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. With Meghan's endorsement and our step-by-step guide, you're just a few ingredients and some kneading away from a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
Gathering Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for Meghan's focaccia bread recipe. You'll need:
- 500g Strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Instant yeast
- 400ml Warm water
- 2 tbsp Olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
- 4-5 Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Preparation Stage
First, grease a large baking sheet with a little olive oil and set it aside. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast, making a well in the center.
Gradually pour in the warm water and olive oil, mixing with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too stiff, add a bit more water.
Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you're not familiar with kneading, think of it as squeezing, pushing, and folding the dough. It's not as technical as it sounds, just use your knuckles and palms to work the dough.
Once kneaded, shape the dough into a round and place it in the greased baking sheet. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepping the Toppings
While the dough is rising, ready your toppings. Meghan loves using fresh rosemary, but you can also add other herbs, like thyme, oregano, or even sundried tomatoes and olives.
Once the dough has risen, gently press it out to the edges of the baking sheet. Use your fingers to dimple the surface of the dough, which will help soak up the olive oil toppling. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and scatter the rosemary sprigs on top. Finally, sprinkle generously with sea salt.
Resting and Baking
Cover the baking sheet again and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or Gas Mark 7. Just before baking, drizzle a bit more olive oil over the dough.
Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
There you have it! A taste of Italy, fit for royalty, baked in your own kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or transform it into a delicious sandwich, Meghan Markle's focaccia bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.