Hello lovelies,
I’ve had a few goals/resolutions written down that I wanted to achieve in 2021 and one of them is to step outside my comfort zone more. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this in previous posts but I’m someone who worries like mad about stepping out of my comfort zone, it’s the thought of the unknown or getting something wrong that really stops me from doing a lot. Until this year.
I’m kick starting this year off with something I’ve really put off giving a go… bread! Don’t ask me why, because I simply do not know what it is about bread that scares me, it just does. So after doing my research into recipes and having my parents constantly re-assuring me that I can do it, I gave in and gave it a go. Boy am I pleased I did.
If your a savoury person, then you’ll understand the love we have for bread. It’s just one of those totally indulgent foods which brings such comfort whilst being unbelievably yummy. It’s top tier food for sure.
And this recipe, is up there with one of my favourites I think! I’m really pleased with how my first ever bread turned out. It’s easier than you’d think and the end result is scrumptious. So if you’d like to get making this bread yourself, then please continue reading…
Category: Lunch/Dinner
Serves: 13-15
Prep Time For Bread: 20 Minutes To Make, 1hr+ To Prove And 1hr To Puff Up
Prep Time For Onions: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Overall Time: 3 And A Half Hours
Ingredients You Need:
- 250g Of ‘00’ Flour
- 250g Of Strong White Bread Flour
- 7g Sachet Of Fast-Action Dried Yeast
- 10g Of Salt
- 3tbsp Of Good-Quality Olive Oil
- Knob Of Butter
- 3 Large Red Onions
- 2tbsp Of Balsamic Vinegar
How To Make Focaccia Bread:
- Firstly, gather together all your ingredients and equipment.
- Secondly, in a large bowl, add 250g of 00 flour, 250g of strong white bread flour, 10g of sea salt and 7g of fast-action dried yeast and mix together.
- Next, add in 1tbsp of oil alongside 320ml of luke warm water and mix into a very soft dough. TIP: don’t worry if it looks a little wet, that’ll make the focaccia light.
- Using a stand mixture and dough hook, knead the dough for five minutes. If your using your hands, lightly oil your hands and surface and knead the dough for around 10 minutes.
- Now, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Place a damp tea-towel over the top of the bowl and leave to rise until it has doubled in size.
How To Make Caramelised Onions:
- In a large frying pan, melt a knob of butter and 2tbsp of olive oil.
- Once melted, add the 3 sliced onions and a pinch of salt and cook for around 20 minutes or until the onions have gone soft.
- When softened, add 2tbsp of balsamic vinegar and cook for a further 10 minutes until it gets sticky.
- Then set aside.
How To Finish The Bread:
- Once the bread has doubled in size, lightly oil a roasting tin (with sides) and scrap the dough onto the tray and reshape in tin. (TIP: to re-shape dough, continuously stretch and fold it over on itself in both directions until your happy).
- When your happy that you’ve shaped the dough on the tray, scatter over the caramelised onions and cover the tray with a piece of lightly oiled cling film and leave for at least an 1hr 30mins (I left mine for around 2 hours, you don’t have to leave yours that long if it puffs up quickly!).
- Towards the end of the dough puffing, preheat your oven to around 220C / 200C Fan / Gas Mark 7.
- Once your dough has puffed, using your fingers, lightly dimple the dough all over. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
- Finally, place your dough in the oven for around 30 minutes until golden brown.
That’s your Caramelised Onion Focaccia prepared, proved, puffed and baked, ready for you to enjoy!
I did say I’d be doing a mixture of bakes on my blog this year and this is one of my more indulgent bakes for sure. You have to treat yourself otherwise life would be blooming boring… am I right or am I right?
I certainly stepped out my comfort zone with this one and I must say, I’m impressed with how this turned out. It gives me that boost of confidence I need for the rest of the year!
This went down an absolute treat with my family so I hope it did with you guys also.
Sending you all tons of love and hugs as always,
Elle xo
