Making Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia is a delightful process! Here’s a simple recipe for you. 🥖✨
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
For the Topping:
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or 1-2 tablespoons dried)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Optional: More olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
- Gradually add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. (You can also do this in a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. 🌱
- Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Grease a baking sheet (about 12×17 inches, or you can use a 9×13 pan) with olive oil.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to the greased baking sheet. Stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. If it resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add Toppings:
- Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to dimple the surface of the focaccia.
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic and rosemary with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Drizzle this mixture over the dimpled dough.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. 🌊
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before cutting into squares. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired! 🍽️
Enjoy your Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia! It’s perfect as a side dish or for sandwiches. 🥳💚
More details about Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
Details of making Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia. 🥖✨
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Dough:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is usually best for focaccia, giving it a nice structure. You can substitute some with whole wheat flour for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure.
- Instant Yeast: This type of yeast doesn’t need to be activated beforehand, making it easier and faster to use.
- Warm Water: The warmth activates the yeast; ensure it’s not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavor and moisture, creating a nice texture in the bread.
For the Topping:
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a robust flavor. Roasting the garlic beforehand will soften the taste if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Rosemary: Fresh rosemary enhances the bread with a fragrant aroma. If using dried rosemary, use slightly less since it’s more concentrated.
- Flaky Sea Salt: This adds an excellent texture and briny flavor to contrast with the bread’s softness.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips:
- Mixing the Dough:
- It’s best to use room temperature ingredients. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Adjust flour or water as needed.
- Kneading:
- Knead until the dough is elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, about 5-7 minutes on medium speed should suffice.
- First Rise:
- Choose a warm, draft-free place to let your dough rise. An oven with the light on or a warm kitchen countertop works well.
- Shaping:
- After punching down the dough, stretching it gently helps retain the air bubbles formed during rising, resulting in a lighter bread.
- Second Rise:
- This final rise helps develop texture. Don’t rush it; letting the dough rest is key to softness.
- Toppings:
- Drizzle the garlic and rosemary oil generously to allow the flavors to infuse. Don’t be shy with the sea salt; it’s delicious!
- Baking:
- Ensure even baking by rotating the pan halfway through. The focaccia should rise and turn golden brown on top.
- Cooling:
- Allow it to cool slightly before cutting. This prevents it from becoming gummy inside.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it warm as an appetizer with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. 🍽️
- Pair it with soups and salads, or use it for sandwiches.
- Leftover focaccia can be used for croutons, or simply toasted with toppings!
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in a paper bag for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze. Thaw at room temperature when ready to use.
Enjoy your baking adventure!
Benefits of Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
Making Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia not only results in a delicious bread but also provides several benefits! Here are some of them:
Nutritional Benefits:
- Garlic:
- Health Booster: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. It has compounds like allicin that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
- Heart Health: Garlic can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health. 💓
- Antioxidants: It has antioxidant properties that can combat oxidative stress.
- Rosemary:
- Antioxidants & Anti-Inflammatory: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, which may help prevent inflammation and chronic diseases.
- Cognitive Benefits: Some studies suggest rosemary can enhance memory and concentration, making it a great addition to your diet.
- Digestion Aid: Rosemary has traditionally been used to support digestion.
Culinary Benefits:
- Flavorful Addition:
- The combination of garlic and rosemary creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile that elevates any meal. 🌱
- Versatility:
- Focaccia can be enjoyed as a side dish, a sandwich base, or simply on its own with dips, making it a versatile addition to various meals.
Social and Psychological Benefits:
- Cooking Together:
- Making focaccia can be a fun activity to do with family or friends, fostering social connections and creating lasting memories! 👩🍳👨🍳
- Stress Relief:
- The process of baking can be therapeutic. Kneading dough and watching it rise can bring a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.
- Comfort Food:
- Homemade bread is often considered comfort food, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
Economic Benefits:
- Cost-Effective:
- Making focaccia at home is often cheaper than buying gourmet bread from a bakery, especially since the ingredients are basic pantry staples.
- Control Over Ingredients:
- You can control the quality and quantity of ingredients, making it easier to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions. 🌿
Incorporating Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia into your meals not only pleases the palate but also enriches your overall cooking experience. Enjoy the wholesome benefits! 🥖💚