Focaccia with olives

Focaccia with Olives - A Flavorful and Fluffy Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Focaccia is an Italian recipe that has won the hearts of bread lovers around the world. This soft, aromatic flatbread is perfect for enjoying on its own, as an appetizer, or as a side dish for various meals. Its fluffy texture and crispy crust make it an ideal choice for any table, while the combination with olives adds extra flavor and complexity.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 350 grams of wheat flour (preferably type 550)
- 200 ml warm water (approximately 35-40 degrees Celsius)
- 1 packet (7 grams) of dry yeast (preferably from Dr. Oetker)
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Approximately 150 grams of olives (mix of green and black olives, pitted)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Sea salt for sprinkling on top
- Olive oil for drizzling

Step-by-Step Preparation of Focaccia:

1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour to improve its texture. Add the dry yeast directly to the flour, without needing to activate it in water or milk. This is a feature of the dry yeast from Dr. Oetker, which facilitates the preparation process.

2. Adding Wet Ingredients:
In the center of the flour, make a small well. Pour the warm water into this well, simultaneously adding the sugar and salt. Add the olive oil, oregano, basil, and rosemary as well. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or a wooden spoon until a dough forms.

3. Kneading:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to your fingers. The more you knead, the fluffier the focaccia will be.

4. First Rising:
Place the formed dough in a clean bowl that you have previously greased with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, during which it will rise and double in volume.

5. Adding the Olives:
After the dough has risen, gently press it with your fingers to release the air. Roll it out on a work surface and add the olives. Fold the dough to evenly distribute the olives, then knead again for a few minutes.

6. Placing in the Baking Tray:
Transfer the dough to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use your fingers to press the dough and spread it evenly across the entire surface of the tray. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for another 15 minutes.

7. Final Processing:
After the 15 minutes, make small dimples in the dough with your fingers, sprinkle sea salt on top, and add slices of olives. Generously drizzle with olive oil, ensuring that every corner of the focaccia is covered.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. When the oven is ready, place the tray with the focaccia inside. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the focaccia is golden and crispy.

9. Cooling and Serving:
When the focaccia is baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve it warm, but it is just as delicious cold. It can be enjoyed plain or accompanied by cheeses, olives, or a tomato sauce.

Practical Tips and Variations:

- Olive Mix: Using a mix of green and black olives adds not only a delicious taste but also a pleasing aesthetic to the focaccia. Try using Kalamata olives for a more intense flavor.
- Aromatic Herbs: If you don’t have oregano, basil, or rosemary, experiment with other aromatic herbs like thyme or sage.
- Drizzling with Oil: Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps achieve a crispy crust. Feel free to add some finely chopped fresh herbs on top before baking.

Nutritional Benefits:
Focaccia is a good source of carbohydrates, being energizing and filling. Olives contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, which are beneficial for heart health. When consumed in moderation, focaccia can be a nutritious choice within a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity (approximately 20 grams of fresh yeast for this recipe).

2. How can I store focaccia?
Keep focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. What can I accompany focaccia with?
Focaccia is delicious alongside a tomato sauce, hummus, cheeses, or even as a base for sandwiches.

4. Can I freeze focaccia?
Yes, focaccia can be frozen. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags.

Personal Note:
Focaccia is a recipe that reminds me of moments spent around the table with family and friends, sharing good food and laughter. Creating this fragrant bread is a ritual that transforms every meal into a celebration. Therefore, I encourage you to prepare it with love and enjoy it with your loved ones!

Cooking with passion makes all the difference. So, put on your apron and enjoy every step of this culinary journey! Enjoy your meal!