Rosemary Focaccia
Rosemary focaccia is a popular and beloved bread enjoyed worldwide. This Italian flatbread is made with flour, water, yeast, and other ingredients and is often flavored with rosemary, a fragrant and flavorful herb.
Focaccia bread has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, where it was a favorite among people of all classes. Today, this bread has evolved, and various types of focaccia have been developed to meet changing tastes and preferences.
Rosemary focaccia is a go-to choice for many people due to its delicious taste and versatility. It can be served as a side dish, a snack, or as a base for various sandwiches and toppings. Additionally, it’s a great choice for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet since it is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
One slice of rosemary focaccia (about 60g) provides approximately 180 calories, 5g of protein, 31g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fat. It’s also a good source of fiber and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and selenium. Using whole-grain flour instead of white flour in the recipe can increase the fiber content and provide more sustained energy.
To make rosemary focaccia a healthier option, you can also use olive oil instead of butter to add flavor and moisture to the bread. Olive oil is a source of healthy fats, which can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.
ROSEMARY FOCACCIA
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ½ teaspoons yeast
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons rosemary fresh — chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm water, 2 ½ teaspoons yeast, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes creamy.
- Add warmed milk, 5 cups flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 tablespoons rosemary to the bowl. Using the paddle attachment, mix at medium speed until a dough ball forms.
- Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead at high speed until the dough is soft, smooth, and sticky, for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a large bowl that has been lightly oiled, turning the dough to coat it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, which should take around 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and generously spread olive oil on a 15 x 10 inch baking pan.
- Transfer the dough onto the pan and, using your fingers, pat and press it until it reaches the edges of the pan. Let the dough rise again until it doubles in bulk, which should take about an hour.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon rosemary.
- Use your fingertips to make shallow indentations all over the dough, then brush it with the rosemary oil, letting it pool in the indentations.
- Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the focaccia.
- Bake in the middle of the oven until the focaccia is golden brown, which should take around 20 to 25 minutes.
Notes
In addition to rosemary, you can add other nutritious ingredients to the dough to increase the bread’s nutritional value. For example, chopped vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers can add flavor, fiber, and vitamins to the bread. Nuts and seeds like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds can add crunch and provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
When serving rosemary focaccia, there are many options to consider. It can be served warm with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar for dipping. It’s also delicious when topped with roasted vegetables or spread with hummus, pesto, or avocado.
In conclusion, rosemary focaccia is a tasty and versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many ways. By adding nutritious ingredients and making a few substitutions, it can be a healthy option that provides essential nutrients for your body. Whether served as a snack or a side dish, this delicious bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.