Focaccia bread

I have never thought of baking bread before, tried eggless raisin bread once. Then I tried this flavorful focaccia bread.It was too soft and have its own aromatic flavors of herbs.

The herb oil can be prepared of your choice, try using fresh basil leaves, rosemary or any herbs. Soaking herbs in oil enhance the flavor of oil and penetrates into bread when dimpling the dough. 

Ingredients:

• All purpose flour -  3 cups
• Instant yeast - 2 tsp
• Salt - 2 tsp
• Olive oil - 2 tbsp
• Water - 2 1/4 cup
• Sugar - 1 tsp

For Herb oil:

• Olive oil - 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp
• Cilantro - 1/4 cup
• Italian seasoning - 1 tsp
• Pepper - 1/4 tsp
• Crushed garlic - 1 tbsp

Method:

To prepare herb oil, heat olive oil in a pan and switch it off. When it is warm add cilantro, Italian seasoning, pepper and crushed garlic. Stir together and allow the flavors to seep into the oil for longer time.

Combine yeast, sugar in the lukewarm water and allow to rest for 10 minutes. In the stand mixer or food processor add flour and salt. Stir in yeast mixture and oil. Use the dough hook and mix for 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer into a bowl and cover with a plastic wrap and let it rest for an hour or till it doubles.

After it doubles, then roll the dough into rectangular shape and transfer to a greased rectangular pan of 9" by 12" baking tray.

Use your fingertip to dimple the dough leaving equally spaced. Pour herb oil evenly over the top. Bake at 350 deg F for 15 minutes or till the tooth pick inserted in the middle comes out clean.