Focaccia

1. Focaccia https://www.wholesomebellies.com.au/

2. Prep time: If doing the quick version is about 2 hrs. If doing the overnight then 12 • Cook time: 30 mins in oven • Serves: 12 medium size squares In case you didn’t know, I was born into an Italian family, and focaccia was our bread of choice! Not sliced bread or bread rolls—just golden, pillowyfocaccia. Lucky me, right? We ate it for breakfast, used it as sandwich bread for lunch, and dunked it into rich tomato sauces. It was a staple in our home. Now, I won’t lie—making great focaccia can be a labour of love. But trust me, it’s worth it! The good news? You don’t have to babysit the dough all day. You just need a little patience to let it do its thing whilst you relax

3. In this recipe, I’ve got two options—a quick 2-hour version and a 24-hour version. And honestly, both deliver amazing results. Even the speedy version works like a charm! But if you let the dough rest longer, it develops more flavour, grows beautifully, and turns out even fluffier. I say experiment with both and decide for yourself if the extra time is worth it!

4. INGREDIENTS : - Let’s talk about the ingredients and why they’re great: • Wheat flour: Provides a hearty texture and rich flavour. It’s a good source of fibre and nutrients, making the bread more filling and wholesome. • Warm water: It helps activate the yeast, which is essential for the dough to rise properly. • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the bread moist. It also gives the crust a beautiful golden colour. • Salt: Enhances the flavour of the bread, balancing the taste and bringing out the natural flavours of the other ingredients. • Dry yeast: Yeast is what makes the dough rise, giving the bread its light, airy texture. • Toppings (rosemary, olives, tomatoes, etc.): These add bursts of flavour, colour, and texture. Rosemary gives a fragrant, earthy note, while olives and tomatoes add tanginess and juiciness.

5. How to Make This Focaccia Making this recipe is simple, fun, and doesn’t require any special baking skills. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade bread ready to enjoy. • Step 1: Activate the Yeast • In a jug, mix 1 ½ cups of warm water with 2 ½ teaspoons of dry yeast. • Whisk well and let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets bubbly.

6. Step 2: Mix the Dough • In a bowl, combine 3 cups of wheat flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. • Add the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. • Stir with a spatula until you get sticky dough. No kneading needed! • Step 3: Let the Dough Rise • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 1-2 hours until it rises.  Drizzle a bit of olive oil on dough or dust with flour so your glad wrap doesn’t stick. • For a deeper rise and fluffier result , you can leave it in the fridge overnight.

7. Step 4: Prepare to Bake • Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle polenta on a baking tray. • Place the dough on the tray and cover it again for a second rise (optional). • Step 5: Add Toppings   • Add your favourite toppings like tomatoes, olives, rosemary, or sea salt. • Step 6: Bake, Cool and Serve • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes until golden brown. • Let it cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!

8. Contact US Email - fiona@wholesomebellies.com.au Phone - 0416 250 969 https://www.wholesomebellies.com.au/