How To Make A Rosemary And Blank Olive Focaccia Bread

Home cooks should consider making rosemary and black olive focaccia for several reasons:

1. Delicious Flavor: Rosemary and black olives add a wonderful depth of flavor to focaccia. The aromatic rosemary complements the briny, earthy taste of black olives, creating a savory and fragrant bread that is hard to resist.
2. Customizable: Making focaccia at home allows you to customize it to your liking. You can adjust the amount of rosemary and black olives to suit your taste, making it as mild or bold as you prefer.
3. Fresh Ingredients: When you make focaccia from scratch, you have control over the quality of ingredients you use. You can use fresh rosemary and select the type of black olives you prefer, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful result.
4. Satisfaction of Homemade Bread: A special satisfaction comes with baking your own bread. The process of kneading, rising, and baking the dough is enjoyable and provides a sense of accomplishment.
5. Impress Guests: If you’re hosting a gathering or dinner party, serving homemade rosemary and black olive focaccia can impress your guests. It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer or side dish that pairs well with various dishes.
6. Versatility: Focaccia is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, alongside soups and salads, or even use it to make sandwiches. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire.
7. Aroma and Presentation: The aroma of rosemary and freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen is heavenly. Additionally, the presentation of a homemade focaccia, with its dimpled surface and savory toppings, is visually appealing.
8. Cost-Effective: Making focaccia at home is cost-effective compared to buying it from a bakery or restaurant. You can make a larger batch for a fraction of the cost, and you’ll likely have leftovers for future meals.
9. Control Over Ingredients: You can control the type and quality of ingredients used in your focaccia. This is especially important if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, as you can adapt the recipe accordingly.
10. Baking Skills: Making focaccia is a great way to hone your baking skills. It involves working with yeast, kneading dough, and understanding the bread-making process, which can be applied to other baking endeavors.

Making rosemary and black olive focaccia at home allows you to enjoy a flavorful, customizable, and satisfying bread that can enhance your meals and impress your guests. It’s a rewarding and versatile addition to your cooking repertoire, and the aroma and taste of homemade focaccia are hard to beat.

Rosemary And Blank Olive Focaccia Bread Recipe

Making rosemary and black olive focaccia is a delightful way to enjoy a classic Italian bread with a flavorful twist. Here’s a simple recipe for you to follow:

Ingredients:

For the Focaccia Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

For Topping:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparation Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water and honey in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes or until it becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and generously grease a baking sheet or a rectangular baking dish with olive oil.
6. Shape the Focaccia: Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet or dish and gently press it out into a rectangle or circle, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick.
7. Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
8. Add Toppings: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and black olive slices evenly over the dough. Finally, generously sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
9. Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm. You can also serve it with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade rosemary and black olive focaccia as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to your favorite Italian dishes!