Learn how to make homemade focaccia bread with this traditional Italian recipe. It will be the easiest bread you'll ever make!
Making homemade bread is such a treat, and this recipe is no exception! Perfectly salty and crusty on the top, and soft and fluffy in the centre, filled with delicious, fresh herbs. Wait until you smell the aromas that fill your kitchen ;)
Dough Ingredients
400g all purpose flour
300g lukewarm water
7g dry instant yeast
7g honey (or sugar)
10g salt
25g olive oil + extra throughout
6g fresh herbs (your favourite)
Brine Ingredients
40g water
15g salt
Method
To prepare the brine, in a small bowl combine the ingredients, whisk and set aside.
In another small bowl, stir together the water, yeast and sugar / honey to dissolve. Set aside.
In large bowl, combine the flour and salt and lightly whisk. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth. While kneading you can add any flavourings e.g. fresh herbs, olive paste, salt and pepper etc. Then set aside the dough at room temperature for 30 minutes in a bowl coated with olive oil. Cover with cling wrap or a damp cloth.
Turn out the dough onto a tin pan (approximately 10 inch x 12 inch or similar) coated with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough to the edges of the pan, pulling outward. The dough will shrink a bit, so repeat stretching once or twice to ensure dough remains stretched. Create dimples in the dough using your index, middle and ring fingers.
Pour the brine over the dough to fill the dimples and let stand at room temperature for another 20 minutes. While the dough is proofing, preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
Sprinkle the top of the dough with additional herbs and olive oil and then bake on a high temperature until golden brown. Check after 15 minutes, adding more time if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Download the full recipe here.
