05 Jun 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups water
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp yeast
3 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup scallions
1/2 red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes
Floral focaccia is a visually stunning and delicious variation of the classic Italian bread. Adorned with vibrant, fresh vegetables arranged to resemble flowers, this bread not only tastes amazing but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or as an appetizer, floral focaccia is sure to impress your guests with its combination of art and flavor.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.50 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough:
- Add 3 cups of all-purpose white wheat flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the dough together.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Pour 1/3 cup of olive oil onto the dough mixture.
- Knead the dough in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour gradually.
4. First Rise:
- Lightly oil another large bowl and transfer the dough into it, turning it to coat all sides with the oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Decorations:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings by chopping the scallions, thinly slicing the red onion, and halving the cherry tomatoes.
6. Shape the Focaccia:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any gases.
- Grease a baking sheet or a large baking pan with olive oil.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and use your fingers to spread it out evenly, forming a rectangular shape about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Second Rise:
- Cover the dough again with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
8. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
9. Add Toppings:
- After the second rise, create dimples all over the surface of the dough using your fingertips.
- Arrange the chopped scallions, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes on top of the dough to form a floral or abstract pattern.
10. Bake the Focaccia:
- Drizzle the focaccia with a little additional olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the edges are crisp.
11. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Cut it into squares or slices and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Use room temperature water to help activate the yeast properly.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to ensure optimal fermentation.
- Don't overwork the dough; it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor of the focaccia.
- Thinly slice the scallions, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to create delicate floral patterns.
- Lightly press the vegetables into the dough to ensure they stay in place during baking.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor and aroma.
Creating floral focaccia is a delightful way to combine baking with artistic expression. This bread not only tastes fantastic but also brings a touch of elegance to your table. By following the tips provided, you'll achieve a beautifully risen and flavorful focaccia adorned with colorful vegetable 'blooms'. Enjoy your freshly baked masterpiece with friends and family, and don't be surprised when it's the star of the meal!