Focaccia: A Simple Gesture of Love

In my kitchen, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked focaccia—a simple, rustic bread that’s all about comfort and love. To me, baking bread is a lot like nurturing relationships; it requires patience, care, and a touch of warmth. This focaccia recipe is one that I’ve made many times for the people I love, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Fun fact: Focaccia, a bread rich in tradition and flavour, has its roots in the Liguria region of Italy. The name comes from the Latin word "focus," meaning hearth—where the bread was originally baked. Just like the love we pour into our food today, focaccia was crafted to be shared around the table, bringing people together with its simplicity and warmth. A perfect reminder that food is more than just a meal—it’s an expression of love (La Cucina Italiana, 2019).

In a world where everything seems to move so quickly, taking the time to knead dough, watching it rise, and smelling the aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven reminds me to appreciate the simpler moments. Baking focaccia is more than just a recipe, as it holds a special place in my heart.

It was one of the first breads I ever mastered, and I’ve shared it with my family countless times, each loaf bringing us closer around the dinner table, these are the moments that remind me why food is such a powerful love language. The joy on their faces as they tear into the crisp crust, the way the soft centre practically melts in your mouth.

What I love most about focaccia is its versatility. Whether I’m baking it for a cosy family dinner or using it as the base for a more elaborate meal, it never fails to deliver both in flavour and in heart. The olive oil, fragrant rosemary, and the sprinkle of sea salt all come together to create a symphony of flavours that feel both earthy and comforting. I often experiment with different toppings, sometimes adding caramelised onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or even olives, but the foundation remains the same: a simple bread that carries so much love and warmth with it.

In today’s recipe, I’m taking you step-by-step through the process of making this beloved focaccia, from creating the perfect dough to achieving that beautiful, dimpled surface. As you follow along, I hope you find the same joy and comfort that I do in baking something with your own hands, knowing that each loaf carries a piece of your heart with it.

Focaccia Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g strong white bread flour

• 10g salt

• 7g dried yeast (or one packet)

• 350ml warm water

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

• 1/2 tbsp honey

• Fresh rosemary leaves, for topping

• Flaky sea salt, for topping

  
  

Method:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add the salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture, stirring to combine.

   
   

2. Initial Rest: Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes. This step helps to activate the yeast fully.

   
   

3. Pull and Fold: After resting, pull and fold the dough in the bowl. Let it rest for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process two more times, for a total of three pull-and-fold sessions. This technique helps develop gluten, a protein found in wheat, gives the dough its elasticity and structure, helping it rise and create that perfect airy texture in our focaccia, for a light and airy bread (Adrianne, 2020).

   
   

4. Cold Fermentation: After the final fold, drizzle olive oil on top of the dough. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to rest for 24 hours. If you have time, you can leave it for up to 48 hours for even more flavour development. Cold fermentation allows the dough to develop a deeper, more complex flavour as the yeast works slowly in the cooler temperature, giving the focaccia its signature taste and texture (Flickenger, 2021).

   
   

5. Prepare the Baking Tray: When ready to bake, line a rectangular baking tray with wax paper. Drizzle some olive oil in the bottom of the tray, ensuring it’s well-coated.

   
   

6. Shape the Focaccia: Remove the dough from the fridge and transfer it to the prepared tray. Gently fold and flip the dough in the oil so it’s fully coated. Spread it out in the tray and let it proof for 2 hours.

   
   

7. Add Toppings once the dough has proofed, drizzle it with olive oil and use your fingers to poke dimples into the surface. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves generously over the top.

   

   Focaccia ready to go into the oven

8. Bake the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Bake the focaccia on the lowest rack for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

   
   

9. Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect on its own or with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

   
   

   

   Focaccia fresh out of the oven

I truly hope you enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and share this beautiful bread with your loved ones. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and I can’t wait for you to experience the warmth and joy that comes with each bite. You may find that this dish is best enjoyed dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, perhaps while watching the sunset with your loved ones, as the warm aroma of freshly baked focaccia fills your home.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with this recipe! Please leave your thoughts, comments, and any modifications you tried in the section below. Your feedback means so much to me and helps create a vibrant community around Her Love Language.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure. Here's to many more delightful recipes and cherished moments together!

From her kitchen, with love ♡