A Simple and Delicious Recipe for the Holidays!
To highlight this ultra-special (and highly addictive!) fragrance of Day 3 in our Advent Calendar, Focaccia + Rosemary, we wanted to share a simple and truly delicious recipe with you. We love making this, especially during the winter! Not only does it taste divine and is super easy to prepare, but the smell that fills the house while it bakes is simply enchanting. So, here’s the recipe for a perfect homemade focaccia!
Rosemary Focaccia Recipe
Servings: 6 to 8
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 35 min
Resting Time: 2 hrs
Freezing: Yes, it freezes really well.
Storage: Best eaten the same day or the next day.
For the dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
For the topping:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (and a bit more for greasing)
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (or more if you love it!)
- Sea salt flakes (or coarse salt)
- 1 to 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let it rest:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the focaccia:
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly greased baking sheet. Gently stretch it with your hands to form an oval or rectangular shape. Let it rest for another 20 minutes.
4. Prepare the topping:
Generously drizzle olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary, sea salt flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese (if you want to add some extra flavor). You can also throw in some olives (black or green) for even more indulgence, or add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness
*Festive tip: turn your focaccia into a holiday masterpiece!
How about making your focaccia the star of your winter gatherings? For a festive touch, arrange the rosemary into the shape of a Christmas tree or garland, and use cherry tomatoes or olives as ornaments. You can even recreate mistletoe leaves with fresh herbs. It's a fun and creative way to combine delicious flavors with holiday spirit—perfect for wowing your guests!
5. Bake:
Bake the focaccia in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 35 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.
For a memorable appetizer:
Serve the focaccia warm, paired with a selection of olives, as well as some aged cheeses, marinated cherry tomatoes, or artichoke dip for an even more indulgent experience!
Enjoy the discovery!
With love,
The SOJA&CO. Team
