Herb Focaccia

Focaccia is a classic Italian bread which may be topped with herbs or other ingredients. Crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside, Focaccia is popular in Italy and is usually seasoned with olive oil and salt, and may be topped with onion and cheese.

Ingredients:

          400 gm bread flour
          1 teaspoon salt
          1 teaspoon castor sugar
          7 gm dry yeast
          1 teaspoon garlic powder
          1 tablespoon mixed herbs   
          1 tablespoon oil
          400 ml warm water

          Parmesan cheese

Step 1. In large bowl, stir together flour, salt, and sugar in a small bowl.

Step 2. Add the yeast mix and oil to the dry ingredients and combine. Then add in mixed herbs.

Step 3. When dough has pulled together, turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.

Step 4. Lightly oil a large bowl, place dough in bowl, and turn to coat with oil.

Step 5. Cover with towel and let rise in warm place for about 25 minutes.

Step 6. Punch dough down, place on greased baking sheet.

Step 7. Shape the dough into a ball shape and pat the dough into a 25 cm circle, about 1 cm thick and carefully transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Cover and leave to rise again.

Step 8. Using a lightly oiled finger, poke indentations all over the surface of the loaf.

Step 9. Brush top with olive oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Step 10. Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden brown.