Herbs and Onion Focaccia

By Harini
Focaccia is a popular simple bread in Italy.The dough for focaccia is similar to pizza dough and we can add toppings of our choice on this.I already have a focaccia here,but that is made of whole wheat and more dense compared to the classic version.Ever since I tried that,we all loved it and I wanted to prepare one with regular all purpose flour.This recipe I adapted from a book,with few changes.I prepared it for our dinner and I should say it was outstanding,in taste,texture and flavor. This time I just made a basic focaccia dough and topped with onion and mixed Italian herbs.I was so happy seeing the dough rising and when I left it for second raising,I for sure knew my bread is going to be heavenly :)Though the one made with whole wheat flour is delicious on its own lines,it can come no where near this version.I may opt for whole wheat version for health reasons,but I insist you all to try this at least once.Eating a hot bread just out of oven is indeed a blissful experience one should not miss :)
Herbs and onion focaccia recipe
Star ingredients:All purpose flour,mixed herbs and onion
Time:15 minutes+resting time+25 minutes
Yield:1 8" square/rectangle focaccia

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
3/4 teaspoon salt
Warm water to knead
2 teaspoons sugar
1 onion sliced thin
2 tablespoons mixed Italian herbs
Oil(olive or as preferred)
Method:
1.Dissolve sugar in 1/4 luke warm water.Sprinkle yeast over it and rest for 5-7 minutes.
2.Take all purpose flour and salt in a bowl.Add 2-3 tablespoons olive oil and mix well.Add the yeast water and mix well.Now slowly knead the dough add more water if needed.Knead to a soft,supple dough.
3.Let it sit until it doubles in volume(1- 1 1/2 hours)
4.Take the raised dough,punch back and knead well again.Roll the dough into a 8/9 inch square/rectangle similar to pizza base.

5.Transfer the rolled bread to a baking sheet.and let it sit for 1 more hour for second raising
6.After an hour,preheat oven to 190C.Poke holes all over the dough with your finger .Brush some oil over the rolled bread,spread the sliced onions,salt and sprinkle the herbs as needed.
7.Bake for 20-25 minutes,till the edges turn golden. Allow to rest for 10 minutes,slice and serve warm
Notes:
1.You can add veggies like thinly sliced bell peppers along with onions.
2.You can even use a combination of 3/4 cup wheat flour but the bread will not be as light and soft as we get with all purpose flour.