Indulge in homemade Rosemary and Thyme Focaccia, a rustic Italian bread that brings a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table.
Ingredients
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 15g fine sea salt
- 7g active dry yeast
- 325ml warm water
- 75ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and fine sea salt. In a separate small bowl, combine the yeast with 100ml of the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture, remaining water, and 50ml of olive oil. Mix with your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a well-oiled baking tray (about 20 x 30cm). Press the dough to fit the tray, cover, and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas 7). Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle with chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Food Pairing Suggestions
To complement your homemade rosemary and thyme focaccia, consider these delightful British-inspired pairings:
- Ploughman’s Lunch: Serve alongside a selection of British cheeses, pickled onions, and chutney for a hearty midday meal.
- Hearty Soups: Pair with a warming bowl of tomato soup or a rich vegetable broth for a comforting supper.
- Charcuterie Board: Arrange with a variety of cured meats, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Dip chunks of focaccia in good quality extra-virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar for a classic appetiser.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables for a light yet satisfying meal.
- British Cheese Platter: Accompany with a selection of artisanal British cheeses such as Cheddar, Stilton, and Wensleydale for a delightful cheese course.
- Sunday Roast: Use to mop up gravy and juices from a traditional British roast dinner.
Remember, this versatile bread can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to various dishes, making it a splendid addition to any meal.
