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Whole Wheat Basil Focaccia

An easy and nourishing whole wheat basil focaccia. A crowd pleaser and taste worthy.
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time1 hr
Course: Baking, Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Bakery, eggless, Quick & Easy
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

for the focaccia dough

  • 4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 cup warm water
  • 2½-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • tsp instant yeast
  • tsp salt

for the herb oil

  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 4-5 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp chili flakes

Instructions

for the herb oil:

  • Warm the olive oil, and add chopped basil leaves and chili flakes. Allow them to steep in warm oil for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.

for the focaccia dough:

  • In a small bowl, mix warm and sugar together. Add yeast and allow it to activate. Let is rest for 10 minutes or till the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
  • In the meanwhile place 2 cups of flour, salt and oil in a large bowl. Mix using a wooden spoon. Now add half of the yeast solution and mix well.
  • Add another 1 cup of flour and remaining yeast solution and continue to mix it well. Add the last cup of flour and stir till the dough starts coming together.
  • Turn over the bowl and drop the dough on a lightly oiled work surface and knead it till the dough is smooth, elastic, soft and slightly sticky.
  • Place the dough in a well oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Allow it rise/ leaven for 90 minutes till it doubles.
  • Place the risen dough on work surface and punch it down to flatten. Divide the dough into two portions for making 2 large focaccia loaves.
  • Place the one portion of flattened dough onto a greased rectangular pan. If need be, then flatten it a bit more. Now pour 1/4th of prepared herb oil on the dough. Using your finger tips, dimple or indent the dough about 2 inches apart. Cover with cling film or kitchen towel to allow it to rise a second time for 30-40 minutes.
  • 10 minutes before baking time, pre-heat the oven to 200 °C. Once the dough is ready, pour another 1/4th portion of herb oil onto the risen dough. You may need to lightly dimple again. Sprinkle coarse salt if you like.
  • Bake for 20-20 minutes or till the bread turns golden brown. Remove from pan and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with the same herb oil if you like.
  • Repeat the same process for second loaf.

Notes

  1. You can use any herb of your choice.
  2. The longer you steep the herbs in oil, the stronger and richer the flavor would be.