Focaccia with olives

Olive Focaccia - A Delight That Will Enchant Your Senses

Focaccia is a traditional recipe, known and loved worldwide, that combines simple flavors with a fluffy and soft texture. This bread roll can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a delicious snack, making it perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we will add olives and basil, which will provide an intense flavor and an explosion of aromas.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour (choose a quality flour, preferably type 000 or 550, for a finer texture)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (for an intense flavor)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 150 g green or black olives (pitted, halved)
- Fresh basil leaves (about 5-6 leaves, finely chopped)
- Olive oil for brushing (optional, but recommended for a glossy appearance)

Preparation:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a small well in the center. Dissolve the fresh yeast in lukewarm water (make sure the water is not hot, otherwise the yeast will die). Add the sugar to the water to help activate the yeast, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Forming the dough: Pour the yeast and water mixture into the flour, followed by the olive oil and salt. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients start to come together. You will get a soft dough that can be shaped.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks to your hands, you can add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid a too-tough focaccia.

4. Rising: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.

5. Shaping the focaccia: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1-1.5 cm thick. Use your fingers to make dimples in the dough (a fun trick is to use a fork to create your desired pattern).

6. Adding toppings: Brush the surface of the focaccia with olive oil, then place the olive halves and sprinkle the chopped basil leaves on top. Add a little salt for extra flavor.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the focaccia tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.

8. Serving: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares or triangles. You can serve it warm or cold, alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of olives (green, black, kalamata) to achieve distinct flavors.
- If you like a stronger taste, add some caramelized onion slices or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Focaccia keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days but can also be frozen for later consumption.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of olive focaccia contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of carbohydrates, and olive oil provides healthy fats that contribute to a balanced diet. Olives are rich in antioxidants and may have beneficial effects on heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use about 7 g of dry yeast. Mix it with the flour before adding the liquids.
- How long can I keep focaccia? Focaccia can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What other toppings can I use? You can add feta cheese, fresh rosemary, garlic, or even roasted vegetables.

This olive focaccia will surely become a family favorite. It is easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile, perfect for a festive meal or a simple snack. Don’t forget to personalize your recipe to your own preferences and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!