The final dish for this week’s theme of Global Cuisine is this beautiful Basil & Garlic Focaccia. It is one of the most popular breads of Italy and has undergone so many changes over the years. The traditional focaccia does not have any toppings or has  minimal toppings with the most popular one being onion and rosemary. But over the years it has been transformed to have stuffings, multiple toppings, cheese, etc.

Why I like this bread?

It is a single rise focaccia and so quick to make. I love the addition of dried basil in the dough which gives the focaccia a lovely flavour. The most lovely reason of it all is the topping of mozzarella to give it a cheesy finish and its golden brown colour. The daughter and husband loved it and so that is the best reason to make it again.

For more Italian bread check out Potato Pizza, Bruschetta and also these crunchy Grissini 

Recipe adapted from here

Makes one 7″ loaf

WHAT WE NEED

For the dough

185 gms All purpose flour

3 gms Instant yeast

1/2 tsp Salt

Pinch of sugar

1 tbsp Dried basil

2 tbsp Olive oil

1/2 cup Warm water

For the toppings

5-6 Pitted olives, chopped

3-4 Garlic cloves, chopped

2 tbsp Mozzarella, shredded

WHAT TO DO

• Mix the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, 1 tbsp oil and dried basil in a bowl
• Add water and knead into a smooth dough
• Cover the dough and set aside till it doubles in volume, around 1 hour
• Preheat the dough to 220C
• Grease a baking tray with oil
• Spread the dough on the baking tray and spread it to the edges
• If the dough resists, then wait for 5 minutes and then spread it again
• Make indentations in the dough with your fingertips
• Pour the balance 1 tbsp oil on the dough
• Spread out the chopped garlic and olives on the dough
• Top the garlic and olives with the grated cheese
• Bake for 12-15 minutes till the top is golden brown
• If the focaccia does not get the golden brown colour then broil for a minute or so
• Serve warm
• Enjoy!

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing this BM