| Prep: 2 hours 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 28g | 4g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 2g | 10g | 1g |
There’s a certain joy I find in creating fusion dishes, melding elements of my Gujarati heritage with quintessential American preferences. The recipe of Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt holds a special place in my culinary repertoire. This fruit-infused recipe is a delightful concoction that intertwines the savory touch of traditional Italian bread with a vibrant medley of fresh summer berries! It’s a perfect blend of my West Coast upbringing and love for global cuisines.
A Fusion Recipe Telling a Story
The story of this recipe is the fusion of flavors and cultures. The silky crunch of focaccia, a staple in many Italian households, is elevated with a surprising twist of fruity flavors incorporating the Californian produce. The addition of rosemary brings a fragrant touch to the palate. Not to forget, the generous sprinkling of coarse sea salt which harmonizes all the flavors perfectly!
Why This Recipe Resonates with Me
Aside from its delightful flavors, the Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt recipe resonates with me on a deeper level. Whenever I am kneading the dough or mixing the vibrant colors of berries, I can’t help but reminisce about the sunny days spent picking strawberries with my boys, or the long kitchen sessions with Faisal, perfecting our bread recipes. It’s a taste of home cooked with love.
A Nutritious Delight
Beyond it’s cultural significance, this playful focaccia variant is also a powerhouse of nutrition. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and a variety of vitamins. These nutrients help boost your immune system, enhance heart health, and even provide anti-aging benefits. Extra-virgin olive oil, another key ingredient, is rich in healthy mono-unsaturated fats and is acknowledged to carry multiple health benefits.
Pairing the Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt
But what could you serve this delightful focaccia dish with? Its robust and versatile flavor profile makes it an excellent addition to a summer picnic basket paired with chilled white wine, or as an extraordinary side dish accompanying pasta dinners. Try serving it alongside a Creamy Pasta with Crispy Mushrooms for a touch of earthiness that beautifully counters the focaccia’s fruity and salty characteristics.
In essence, the fusion Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt recipe is a testament to the joy of culinary adventures. It’s a combination of cultures and flavors that reflects my journey as a food lover and a chef. I believe, in every dish that we create, we share a slice of ourselves, and this focaccia certainly has a piece of my heart!
What You’ll Need
- 1 3/4 cups of warm water
- 1 package of active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 5 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup of strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 cup of raspberries
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently then let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
Step Two
Add in the flour and 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough begins to form.
Step Three
Move the dough onto a flour-dusted surface and knead for about 5 minutes, adding extra flour if needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step Four
Transfer the dough to a clean, oil-coated bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step Five
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Coat a large baking sheet with half of the olive oil.
Step Six
Place the risen dough onto the oiled baking sheet and stretch it out to fit the size of the tray. Create small dimples in the dough by pressing your fingers into it.
Step Seven
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough, making sure to fill the dimples. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary leaves and extra coarse sea salt evenly over the top of the dough.
Step Eight
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step Nine
While the focaccia is baking, prepare your fruits by rinsing and slicing the strawberries, then rinsing the blueberries and raspberries.
Step Ten
After the focaccia has cooled, top it with the mixed berries and serve. The Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt is now ready to enjoy!
