Delicious With Focaccia Recipe Featuring Sun Dried Tomatoes A Perfect Savory Treat
Focaccia is a cherished Italian flatbread; adored for its supple, chewy consistency and appetising toppings. This recipe creatively modifies the typical focaccia, incorporating sun dried tomatoes to infuse a balance of lusciously sweet and tantalisingly tangy tastes.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this focaccia recipe is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience for the dough to rise, you can enjoy a homemade bread that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
The sun dried tomatoes add a rich depth of flavor to the focaccia, complementing the olive oil and herbs perfectly. Serve this focaccia warm, fresh from the oven, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a truly indulgent treat.
How to Make Delicious Focaccia
Making delicious focaccia at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and aromatic bread that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out to form a rectangle.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough and top with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Let the focaccia rise for another 30 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia!
Ingredients for Focaccia Bread
Here are the ingredients you will need to make delicious focaccia bread:
Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup olive oil
Toppings:
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Steps for Focaccia Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
2. Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the flour until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then transfer it to a greased baking sheet and press it out to cover the pan evenly.
6. For added flavor, lightly press sun-dried tomatoes into the dough and drizzle with olive oil before baking.
7. Let the dough rest for another 20-30 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia with sun-dried tomatoes!
Adding Sun Dried Tomatoes for Flavor
One of the key ingredients that elevate the flavor profile of this focaccia recipe is the addition of sun dried tomatoes. These intense, tangy tomatoes add a burst of umami richness that pairs perfectly with the fluffy dough and savory toppings.
Choosing the Right Sun Dried Tomatoes
When selecting sun dried tomatoes for this recipe, opt for the oil-packed variety for added moisture and richness. You can also use rehydrated sun dried tomatoes if you prefer a chewier texture. Make sure to chop the tomatoes into small pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Adding Sun Dried Tomatoes to the Dough
To incorporate the sun dried tomatoes into the focaccia, gently fold them into the dough during the final stages of mixing. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain the texture and prevent the tomatoes from being crushed. The result will be a focaccia bursting with savory tomato flavor in every bite.
Baking Your Focaccia to Perfection Reader Interactions
After shaping your focaccia dough and adding the sun-dried tomatoes, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature as per the recipe. Make sure to place a baking stone or sheet in the oven during preheating to ensure your focaccia bakes evenly and gets that crispy bottom.
Once your oven is ready, gently slide the prepared focaccia onto the hot baking surface. Allow it to bake for the specified time, keeping a close eye to ensure it doesn’t burn. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown color, and the aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen.
When the baking time is up, carefully remove the focaccia from the oven using oven mitts or a heat-proof tool. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing into it. The crispy crust and soft interior will make each bite a delight. Serve your sun-dried tomato focaccia warm and enjoy the flavors of this delicious bread!
Serving and Enjoying Your Focaccia
Once your delicious focaccia with sun dried tomatoes is out of the oven and has cooled slightly, it’s time to serve and enjoy this savory treat. Here are some tips to make the most of your homemade focaccia:
Serving Suggestions
1. Cut the focaccia into slices or squares for easy serving.
2. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some sea salt on top for extra flavor.
3. Serve alongside a bowl of whipped garlic butter or balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping.
4. Pair with a fresh salad or soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoying Your Focaccia
| 1. | Enjoy your focaccia warm or at room temperature. |
| 2. | Savor each bite of the soft, fluffy bread with bursts of sweetness from the sun dried tomatoes. |
| 3. | Share with family and friends for a delightful snack or appetizer. |
| 4. | Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a couple of days, reheating in the oven for a fresh taste. |
Q&A: Tomato Focaccia with sun dried
What is the main ingredient of sun-dried tomato focaccia?
The main ingredient of sun-dried tomato focaccia is sun-dried tomatoes, second rise which give the bread its distinctive flavor.
What is used to enhance the flavor of the focaccia?
Roasted garlic is often used to enhance the flavor of sun-dried tomato focaccia, adding a rich and savory taste.
What is the purpose of dimpling the dough before baking?
Dimpling the dough helps create sundried tomatoes those characteristic little pockets on the surface of the focaccia, allowing olive oil and other toppings to settle in and infuse the bread with flavor.
What type of salt is typically sprinkled on top of focaccia before baking?
Flaky sea salt is typically sprinkled dough rise on top of focaccia before baking to add a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch to the finished bread.
What equipment is commonly used to knead the dough for focaccia?
A stand mixer is commonly used to knead the dough for pizza dough focaccia, making the process easier and more efficient.
How should the dough be covered during the rising process?
The dough should be covered with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel during the rising process to prevent it from drying out and to create a warm, humid environment for fermentation.
What type of flour is typically used to make focaccia?
Bread flour is typically used to make sun dried tomato focaccia because of its higher kosher salt protein content, which helps create a chewy texture in the bread.
What step should be taken after removing the focaccia from the oven?
After removing the focaccia from the oven, it should be allowed to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
What is a common topping for sun-dried tomato focaccia?
Goat cheese is a common topping for sun-dried tomato focaccia, adding a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the bread.
What is the purpose of allowing the dough to rise a second time?
Allowing the dough to rise a second time helps develop the flavor wooden spoon and texture of the focaccia, resulting in a lighter and airier final product.Yes, this focaccia recipe with sun dried tomatoes is suitable for vegetarians. It does not contain any meat or animal products, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes in this focaccia recipe?
While fresh tomatoes will work in the recipe, they may add extra moisture to the baking pan dough, potentially affecting the texture of the focaccia. Sun dried tomatoes are preferred for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture, which enhances the overall taste of the bread.
What are common toppings for sun-dried tomato focaccia?
Common toppings for sun-dried tomato focaccia include sun-dried tomatoes, fresh rosemary, kalamata olives, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
What should be done before baking focaccia?
Before baking, it’s recommended to drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the focaccia dough, which helps create a crispy crust and adds flavor.
What is the purpose of dimpling the dough before baking focaccia?
Dimpling the dough before baking focaccia helps create those characteristic little pockets on the surface, allowing olive oil and other toppings to settle in and infuse the bread with flavor.
What should be done with leftover focaccia?
Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap and enjoyed later. It can also be used to make sandwiches or toasted for a quick snack.
What type of olives are commonly used as a topping for focaccia?
Kalamata olives are commonly used as a topping for focaccia, adding a briny flavor and a burst of color to the bread.
What equipment is typically used to knead the dough for focaccia?
The bowl of a stand mixer is typically used to knead the dough for focaccia, making the process easier and more efficient.
What step should be taken after removing focaccia from the oven?
After removing focaccia from the oven, it should be allowed to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to set.
What are some variations of focaccia toppings?
Some variations of focaccia toppings include using different herbs such as thyme or oregano, adding sliced onions or bell peppers, or sprinkling with Parmesan cheese.
What is the purpose of letting the dough rise before baking focaccia?
Letting the dough rise before baking focaccia helps develop the flavor and texture of the bread, resulting in a light and airy crumb.
What is the texture of a well-made focaccia?
A well-made focaccia should have a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, chewy texture on the inside, with a slightly tangy flavor from the olive oil and toppings.
