This quick sourdough focaccia bread is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen. Using sourdough starter, this bread has a unique tangy flavor and a soft, airy texture.
Perfect for sandwiches, as a side dish, or simply enjoyed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this focaccia can be prepared in a short amount of time with minimal effort.
Overview of Sourdough Focaccia
Sourdough focaccia is a delightful bread that brings a taste of Italy right into your kitchen.
It features a unique tangy flavor thanks to the sourdough starter, which also contributes to its soft and airy texture.
This bread is not just a side dish; it can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a base for sandwiches or simply dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The key ingredients for this focaccia include an active sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, warm water, and olive oil.
These components work together to create a fluffy bread with a crispy crust.
Coarse sea salt and optional dried oregano add an extra layer of flavor, making each bite a savory experience.
Preparation Steps
Making sourdough focaccia is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Start by mixing the sourdough starter with flour, warm water, olive oil, and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Shaping and Rising
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to prepare it for baking.
Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet and stretch it to fit the pan.
Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface, which will hold the olive oil and enhance the bread’s texture.
Baking to Perfection
Before baking, drizzle more olive oil over the top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and oregano if desired.
Let the dough rise for an additional 15 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.
The result is a golden-brown focaccia that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing.
It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Pair it with a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, creating an inviting presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
Easy Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe
This focaccia bread is made with a sourdough starter, flour, water, and olive oil, resulting in a deliciously fluffy bread with a crispy crust. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, warm water, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place.
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and stretch it out to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
- Second Rise: Drizzle more olive oil over the top, sprinkle with coarse sea salt and oregano if using. Let it rise for another 15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
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