Focaccia Bread - The Wayfarer's Signature Bread

Focaccia Bread - The Wayfarer's Signature Bread

✨ Introduction

Some recipes nourish the body; others feed the soul. This focaccia, born from kitchens across war-torn lands and refugee camps, carries stories of resilience and hope. Golden-crusted and herb-kissed, it transforms simple ingredients into shared moments of peace. As a former aid worker who found comfort in breaking bread with strangers, I offer you this recipe—not just for its Mediterranean warmth, but for its power to create connection wherever it's baked.

🍞 Cuisine: Italian Mediterranean

History of the Cuisine

Focaccia traces its ancient roots to Roman hearths, where focus (Latin for "hearth") gave this flatbread its name. Originally sustenance for labourers and travellers, it evolved into Italy's symbol of hospitality. In Liguria, focaccia became an art form—simple dough enriched with olive oil, topped with herbs and vegetables. This humble bread embodies Italian culture: rustic, generous, and meant to bring people together around the table.

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 12)

Base Dough:

· 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

· 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

· 1 teaspoon salt

· 1 teaspoon white sugar

· 1 teaspoon garlic powder

· 1 teaspoon dried oregano

· 1 teaspoon dried thyme

· ½ teaspoon dried basil

· 1 pinch ground black pepper

· 1 cup warm water

· 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

· 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)

Toppings:

· 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

· 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes:

· Sliced black olives

· Bell peppers (red/yellow/green), thinly sliced

· Thinly sliced onions

· Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped

👩‍🍳 Preparation Process

Step 1: Build the Foundation

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, and black pepper. Add warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until dough forms.

Pro Tip: For enhanced flavor, coat dough generously with olive oil and refrigerate 8-10 hours or overnight. Cold fermentation develops deeper taste.

Step 2: Knead with Intention

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Rest and Rise

Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with damp cloth and let rise in warm place for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Step 5: Shape the Story

Punch down dough and spread into ½-inch thick rectangle on prepared sheet. Brush generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add optional toppings for color and texture.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Glory

Bake 15 minutes until golden brown and cheese bubbles. Slice into 12 squares. Serve warm with olive oil or garlic-paprika dipping sauce.

🥗 Nutritional Content (Per Serving - Approximate)

· Calories: 180

· Protein: 5g

· Carbohydrates: 24g

· Fat: 7g

· Fiber: 1g

· Calcium: 8% RDA

Note: Values vary with toppings and portion sizes.

💡 Pro Variation Tips

Vegan Version: Omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives for flavor depth.

Rustic Ligurian: Top with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary before baking for authentic Italian finish.

Sweet Dessert Twist: Replace herbs with cinnamon and brown sugar. Top with walnuts and drizzle with honey.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free flour blend, adding 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if not included.

🍞 Concluding Thoughts

Focaccia is communion bread—forgiving, flexible, and fragrant. Whether baked in peaceful kitchens or shared in crisis, it binds hearts with warmth. From refugee camps to home tables, this bread taught me that simplest gestures often carry greatest meaning. Every golden crust holds stories of resilience, every shared slice whisper hope.

"He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them..." - Luke 22:19

Adios Amigo…till we bake next

With warmth and wanderlust,
The Wayfarer
Crumbs-n-Wonders