Focaccia bread

Delicious Focaccia with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Simple Recipe for Special Moments

If you are a lover of aromatic bread, with a fluffy texture and exquisite taste, then the recipe for focaccia with olives and sun-dried tomatoes is exactly what you are looking for. This Italian bread is not only a perfect accompaniment for festive meals but also a delight to enjoy alongside good cheese or a fragrant wine. Let's explore together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Essential ingredients:

- 1 cup warm milk (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7g)
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (250 ml) + extra for greasing
- 1 cup black olives, chopped
- 1 sun-dried tomato, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Flour as needed (approximately 4-5 cups, depending on humidity)
- Dried herbs (basil and thyme, to taste)

Preparing the focaccia:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast with sugar and warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This step is essential to activate the yeast and achieve fluffy bread.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Start mixing, gradually adding the olive oil. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a well-greased or floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

4. Rising: Shape the dough into a ball and grease it with a little olive oil, then place it in a clean bowl covered with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the focaccia: Once the dough has risen, shape it into a round on a greased baking tray. Use your fingers to make dimples on the surface of the dough. In each dimple, add a piece of sun-dried tomato and a few olives. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the dried herbs on top.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (medium heat). Bake the focaccia for 25-30 minutes or until golden and passes the toothpick test. 5 minutes before removing it, you can brush it with an extra layer of olive oil for a tempting shine.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the focaccia is baked, let it cool on a wire rack. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside fresh cheese or a yogurt dip with herbs.

Helpful tips for a perfect result:

- Choose quality ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil and high-quality olives make a significant difference in the final taste of the focaccia.
- Kneading technique: Make sure the dough is well-kneaded, as this helps develop gluten, giving it a fluffy texture.
- Experiment with toppings: You can add feta cheese, caramelized onions, red peppers, or even fresh herbs to diversify the flavors.

Possible variations:

- Cheese focaccia: Add pieces of mozzarella or feta cheese in the dimples of the dough.
- Onion focaccia: Sauté red or white onion and sprinkle on top of the dough before baking.
- Fresh herb focaccia: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional information:

This focaccia has approximately 250 calories per serving, making it an ideal choice for a snack or appetizer. Olive oil contains healthy fats, and olives provide antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

- Why use warm milk? Warm milk helps activate the yeast, which will make the bread rise better.
- Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast, but you will need about 20g.
- How can I store focaccia? Focaccia keeps well in a plastic bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

A personal note:

This focaccia recipe reminds me of moments spent with family, when we would gather around the table and enjoy freshly baked bread, with aromas of herbs and olive oil. I encourage you to share this experience with loved ones, whether it's for dinner or a simple snack.

Enjoy this simple and delicious focaccia recipe! It is perfect for any occasion, and its aroma will surely delight you. Bon appétit!