Sunday 23 June 2013

Homemade Focaccia Recipe

Since coming back from our holiday in Italy, I have been in love with Italian food, mainly the fresh breads, seafood and fresh pasta sauce. After shopping for focaccia at M&S a few times, I realised I am spending too much money on something which is quite cheap to make. So I decided to sign up for a one off bread making course for my hubby and I.

The bread making course was a Groupon deal. Held at Open Kitchen in Hoxton. Open Kitchen is a local college which provides cooking course and qualifications for trainee chefs.All proceeds go back to Open Kitchen and their services. This place is open for lunch as well. I have never been to this restaurant but whilst waiting for the course to commence, we sat at the dining area and the decor was very bright, colourful and contemporary. It is worth checking this place out!

Below is the recipe I followed.

350g of Strong White Bread Flour
1 teaspoon of salt
10g of yeast
250ml or tepid water
3 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
some sea salt for the top along with some herbs like rosemary or oregano and cherry tomatoes.

1. Mix yeast in some tepid water and use your fingers to dissolve it.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, olive oil and the yeast together.
3. Slowly a bit at a time, pour in the tepid water and mix till you get a flaky dough.
4. Use a bit of flour so the dough doesnt stick, start kneading until the dough stretchy.
5. Put into a bowl, cover with cling film. Leave to prove for 30 minutes.
6. When the dough is twice the size, knead the dough a little more.
7. Using your fingers to stretch out the dough flat.
8. Once it is in desired shape and size, brush with olive oil and decorate with sea salt, rosemary and herbs.
9. Preheat oven to 200C and oven bake for 15-25 mins till golden brown or desired coating.

You need to eat the focaccia within 2 days!

Happy baking! Yum!