Simple Rosemary Focaccia

This fragrant, bubbly focaccia is more than just a treat for the senses - rosemary contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect cells from damage linked to cancer risk, while the olive oil provides heart-healthy fats that support overall wellness. Enjoy it as a flavorful side or accompaniment to soup that nourishes both body and mind.

Simple Rosemary Focaccia

Recipe By: Melanya Kushla, MS, RD, CHES at Taste & Thrive
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 slice

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

• 1 ½ cup all purpose flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Utensils

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon

• Tea towel

• Small baking pan or 5 x 7” glass or ceramic baking dish

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, add the warm water and yeast, and gently whisk. Let this rest uncovered for 5-minutes.

2. Next, add both of the flours and salt to the mixing bowl.

3. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir it all together until a dough forms.

4. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave at room temperature to rise for 90 minutes.

5. While your dough is rising, grease your baking pan or dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

6. After 90 minutes, uncover your dough - it should have doubled in size.

7. Gently pull the edges of your dough toward the center to form a smooth ball of dough.

8. Transfer this dough ball to your baking pan and, using your hands, gently stretch the dough back out to fill the pan.

9. Cover it with your tea towel and leave at room temperature to rise again for 30 minutes.

10. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F.

11. When the dough is done rising, drizzle it with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

12. Then, using your fingers, gently press them into the dough, as if you’re massaging, to dimple it.

13. Top with a sprinkle of flakey sea salt and the rosemary.

14. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

15. When the top is golden brown, remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes or so before transferring to a cutting board to slice. Enjoy!

Notes

• Make sure your water is warm, not hot, as this can kill your yeast.

• This focaccia can be made entirely with white flour, though the nutritional benefits will be improved with a less refined flour such as white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour.

• Experiment with other herbs and toppings for different flavor combinations - vegetables can also be pressed into the surface before baking for a splash of color!

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

320 calories – 8g fat – 1.2g sat fat – 48g carbohydrates – 8g protein – 6g fiber – 302 mg sodium

Nutrient Highlights

• Whole Grain Flour: Packed full of fiber to help promote healthy gut microbes to support a strong immune system and help the body maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Whole grains also promote satiety and provide polyphenols that have high antioxidant activity, helping reduce inflammation in the body.

• Yeast: A natural source of B-vitamins and antioxidants, which support energy metabolism and may help protect cells from oxidative damage linked to cancer risk.

• Olive Oil: An excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. It’s rich in antioxidants, like vitamin E, and may improve brain health and cholesterol levels

• Sea Salt: Provides essential trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which support cellular health and may contribute to overall balance in the body when used in small amounts.

• Rosemary: Contains volatile oils and polyphenol compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiviral properties. Rosemary can support heart health, improve digestion, and may protect against chronic diseases, including cancer.