Focaccia with lavender

Lavender Focaccia – A Journey into the World of Flavors

Focaccia is a traditional bread that can be customized in countless ways, each variation having its own story and character. Today, I invite you to discover a special lavender focaccia recipe that combines the fluffy texture of the bread with the subtle floral aroma of lavender. You may wonder how lavender can be integrated into a savory dish, but I assure you that it is a surprisingly pleasant combination that will delight not only your taste buds but also your sense of smell.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients needed for lavender focaccia:
- 400-500 g flour (preferably type 650 or 000)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (approximately 37-40°C, the ideal temperature for activating yeast)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, but helps activate the yeast)
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine with nutritional benefits)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon edible lavender flowers (make sure they are meant for consumption)
- 3 cloves of garlic (a classic flavor that complements lavender)

Recipe history:
Focaccia is a bread with a long history, having deep roots in Mediterranean culinary traditions. Often used as an appetizer or accompaniment, it has evolved over time, with each region having its own version. The addition of lavender is a modern innovation inspired by trends to explore unusual flavor combinations.

Step by step to prepare lavender focaccia:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add 400 g of flour, dry yeast, and honey. Mix the dry ingredients well. Then add the olive oil and lukewarm water. Use a wooden spoon to mix, then continue with your hands to form a dough. If you notice that the dough is too soft and sticky, add a little of the remaining flour until it becomes soft but easy to knead.

2. Kneading the dough:
Add the salt and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, form a ball and place it in a bowl sprinkled with flour.

3. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the tray and sauce:
After the dough has risen, grease a tray of approximately 40 cm x 40 cm with a tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the dough in the tray, ensuring it reaches the edges. Cover again with the towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, to prepare the sauce, finely chop the garlic and lavender flowers. Mix them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This combination will add a layer of delicious flavor to your focaccia.

5. Forming the focaccia:
After the second rising, use your fingers to make indentations in the dough at intervals of 2 cm. With a brush, spread the prepared sauce over the entire surface of the dough. Sprinkle a little sea salt and pepper to taste.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 250°C. Once the oven is hot, place the tray with the focaccia inside and bake for 25 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside.

7. Serving:
After the focaccia is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. It can be served warm, as an appetizer, alongside a fresh salad, or as an accompaniment to soups or meat dishes.

Useful tips:
- Make sure to use edible lavender and that it is not chemically treated.
- You can experiment by adding other herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can sprinkle some olives or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough before baking.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Of course! Use 25 g of fresh yeast, dissolved in lukewarm water, instead of dry yeast.

2. What other flavors can I use?
Focaccia is very versatile. You can add feta cheese, olives, or herbs like rosemary or oregano.

3. How can I store focaccia?
The bread can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze it for later.

Nutritional benefits:
Lavender focaccia is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, while lavender has antioxidant properties and can contribute to relaxation and well-being.

Serving suggestions:
I recommend serving focaccia with a yogurt sauce flavored with garlic and dill or alongside a glass of dry white wine, which will highlight the floral flavors of the lavender.

Prepare this lavender focaccia and let its subtle aroma delight your senses. It is a wonderful recipe to impress friends and family, but also to indulge yourself with a delicious snack that will bring a touch of innovation to your kitchen!

 Ingredients: 400 - 500 g flour 250 ml lukewarm water 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast) 1 teaspoon honey 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon culinary lavender flowers 3 cloves of garlic

 Tags:  focaccia