FOCACCIA CAPRESE

For this month we knead to bake group, Aparna  choose focaccia caprese. Focaccia with basil, tomato, some herbs and cheese. Thanks Aparna for your wonderful choice.

Focaccia is a popular bread in italy. Usually it seasoned with olive oil and some herbs, topped with cheese and vegetables. Focaccia are similar in style and texture to pizza. Focaccia can be used as a side to many meals.
Recipe adapted from : The kitchen whisperer

Ingredients for dough :

. Yeast - 2 tsp
. Sugar - 1 1/2 tbsp
. Flour / maida - 3 1/2 cup
. Salt - 1 tsp
. Oil - 1/4 cup
. Warm water - 1 - 1 1/2 cup

For topping :

. Tomato - 2 sliced thin
. Mozzarella

Herbed oil :

. Olive oil - 1/4 cup
. Oregano - 1 tsp
. Dried basil - 1 tsp
. Red chilly flakes - 1/2 tsp
. Crushed garlic - !/2 tsp
. Salt to taste

Method :

1. First make herb oil : combine all the ingredients together and whisk. Keep aside.

2. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt and oil in a bowl. Add enough warm water and knead into a soft elastic dough, that is short of sticky.

3. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a well oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise till almost doublke in size.( 1 hr )

4. Divide the dough into 2 balls and lightly roll them out into a round or rectangle shape.

5. Transfer dough in to baking sheets. Let it rise for 20 minutes.

6. Lightly oil your fingertips and press into the dough creating evenly spaced dimples on it.

7. Brush surface with oil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes till it almost done and is start to golden brown colour.

8. Take out and turn the heat to 230 degree.

9. Lightly drizzle some herbed oil and arrange mozzarella slices., leaving some space between them. Arrange tomato slices over cheese and sprinkle basil.

10. Drizzle remaining herbed oil and return to oven. Bake for 5- 8 minutes or cheese melts.

11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and slice when it is still hot.