Focaccia with Fresh Herbs
The simplest recipes are often the most remarkable-looking. Proof? This photogenic focaccia. Top the thyme-kissed homemade bread with mozzarella cream—our sumptuous homage to burrata—and a simple tomato salad. Use any kind of tomato you have on hand: A fresh, multicoloured mix gives this dish major wow factor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (300 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (such as thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- Fleur de sel, to taste
- 1 ball (250 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) 35% cream
- 1 lb (450 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, oregano, chives)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, zest finely grated
- Fleur de sel, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl using a wooden spoon, or in a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add the water and mix until a soft ball forms. Knead the dough for 2 minutes on a floured work surface or in the stand mixer until smooth.
- Spread the dough out with your fingertips into a lightly oiled 13 x 9- inch (33 x 23 cm) rectangular baking dish. Cover with a damp dishcloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, humid spot for 30 minutes or until the dough has doubled in volume.
- Pour the oil onto the dough. Spread the dough out with your fingertips, turning it over a few times to coat well in the oil. Make small wells in the dough using your fingertips. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the herbs and garlic. Sprinkle over the dough. Generously season with fleur de sel and pepper.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden. Let cool for 1 hour (see note).
The simplest recipes are often the most remarkable-looking. Proof? This photogenic focaccia. Top the thyme-kissed homemade bread with mozzarella cream—our sumptuous homage to burrata—and a simple tomato salad. Use any kind of tomato you have on hand: A fresh, multicoloured mix gives this dish major wow factor.