Basil Focaccia

Basil focaccia is a fragrant and aromatic twist on the classic bread or focaccia. The addition of basil makes them perfect for serving during summer or as a complement to tomato-based dishes, typical of the Mediterranean cuisine. Here is the recipe for preparing delicious basil focaccia.

Ingredients

• 500 g of type 00 flour
• 300 ml of lukewarm water
• 10 g of salt
• 15 g of fresh brewer’s yeast or 5 g of dry brewer’s yeast
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (about 20 g)
• Coarse salt to taste for garnishing
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste for greasing

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, start by dissolving the yeast in the lukewarm water. Add the sifted flour a little at a time, mixing with a fork or a wooden spoon.
2. Incorporate the salt and extra virgin olive oil. Work the dough with your hands until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous ball that detaches easily from the sides of the bowl. If necessary, add more flour or water to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and continue to work it for a few minutes, then finely chop the basil leaves and incorporate them into the dough.
4. Form a ball with the dough, then place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in volume.
5. Pre-heat the oven to 200 °C.
6. Take the risen dough and divide it into small portions of about 80 g each. Slightly flatten each portion, forming discs about 1-1.5 cm thick.
7. Arrange the focaccia on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush the surface with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt.
8. Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the focaccia are golden and puffy.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Basil focaccia is perfect to enjoy freshly made, warm, and fragrant. They can also be stuffed as desired or served as an accompaniment to cold cuts and cheeses for an aperitif or an Italian-style appetizer.

Curiosity

Basil is an aromatic plant highly appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Italian cooking, where it is one of the main ingredients of Genovese pesto. Furthermore, its fresh and slightly pungent scent pairs perfectly with tomato, making basil focaccia an excellent accompaniment for dishes such as tomato bruschetta or the classic Caprese salad.