There's something special about making your own bread; the time and attention put into creating something delicious is worthy of celebration but also fitting as a special treat for just a handful of people. This spelt focaccia makes a great party snack served with a bowl of extra virgin olive oil for dunking or as a main meal with a big side salad. Best fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be re-heated or toasted within a few days of baking.
Spelt Focaccia With Rosemary Za’atar [Vegan]
Serves
6-8
Ingredients You Need for Spelt Focaccia With Rosemary Za’atar [Vegan]
For the Focaccia:
- 1 cup warm filtered water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 cups whole spelt flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For the Za’atar:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted or raw
For the Additional Toppings:
- 1 small bulb fennel, fronds removed and thinly sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Water, as needed
- A handful of pine nuts
- Fresh lemon zest, to finish (optional)
How to Prepare Spelt Focaccia With Rosemary Za’atar [Vegan]
- Mix together warm water and maple syrup in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for at least 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. Mix flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and add olive oil and yeast water mixture. Bring everything together with a wooden spoon and gently stir. Once you have picked up most of the flour and a soft, sticky dough is forming in the bowl, tip everything out onto a lightly floured surface.
- The dough should be quite wet. Gently bring together with your hands, softly kneading, no more than one minute. You are looking for a soft, sticky ball of dough.
- Once you have that, place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel. Set in a warm, dry place and let rise until doubled in size, one hour should do.
- While the dough is rising, prep the za’atar. Finely chop the rosemary and place in a small bowl with ground sumac, sesame seeds and a pinch of salt. Combine and set aside.
- Thinly slice the fennel. Add a good glug of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fennel and sauté, stirring often. You don’t want the fennel to brown or get crispy, but rather soften and slowly cook. Reduce heat if necessary. Add splashes of water to the skillet when it is looking dry. You might need to add as much as 1/3 cup of water in tablespoon increments. The water will evaporate and you will be left with soft, melt in your mouth fennel after about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment and brush with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and tip into the middle of the baking dish. Using your hands, spread the dough out as much as you can to the corners or the dish. You could have an oval shape here is you prefer. Keep your hands clean, so the dough doesn’t stick. Using your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes lightly all over the dough. Brush the entire service with olive oil. Spread braised fennel over top, sprinkle with rosemary za’atar and top with pine nuts. Cover again with a tea towel and let rise is a warm, dry place until risen again, about 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake focaccia until golden brown and firm, about 25 – 30 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
Focaccia dough slightly adapted from Food + Wine.
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Spelt
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About The Author
Jodi Kay
See My Recipes Crowd-pleasing, nourishing, veggie-filled recipes that use adventurous global flavors and simple ingredients.
I'm Jodi, author, creator, and photographer of happy hearted kitchen blog. Food to me is so much more than just a recipe or a grocery list, it's about gathering people around a table for a moment of real nourishment. I cook vegetarian, mostly vegan, meals and have a love affair with seasonal produce. I also wholeheartedly believe in the power of a good cookie and a cup of tea, it can completely turn your day around. Just like eating, I know that life is all about balance, and as much as I love being in the kitchen, I also need moments exploring the outdoors. Mountains, camping, hiking, skiing - every adventure needs good snacks. Hoping my happy-hearted kitchen fills your hearts, bellies + kitchen tables.
Can\’t stand fennel or pine nuts. Could I use onions and sunflower seeds, with the same directions?