Himalayan Pink Salt Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is a classic Italian flatbread known for its crisp crust and soft interior. 

In this recipe, we'll explore how to make Himalayan Pink Salt Focaccia Bread using three different styles: Italian, Chinese, and Continental. Each style offers its own unique blend of flavors and ingredients, resulting in focaccia bread that is both delicious and versatile.

Continental Style

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Himalayan Pink Salt
• Fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse Himalayan Pink Salt for topping
  
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and Himalayan Pink Salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
6. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Press the dough out evenly to fill the pan.
7. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Using your fingers, make dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and coarse Himalayan Pink Salt.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Chinese Style:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons Himalayan Pink Salt
• Toasted sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1-4 from the Continental Style recipe to make the dough.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
3. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Press the dough out evenly to fill the pan.
4. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Using your fingers, make dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and Himalayan Pink Salt.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
   
   
   

Italian Style:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Himalayan Pink Salt
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• Coarse Himalayan Pink Salt for topping

Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1-4 from the Continental Style recipe to make the dough.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
3. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Press the dough out evenly to fill the pan.
4. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Using your fingers, make dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and arrange cherry tomato halves and fresh basil leaves on top. Sprinkle with coarse Himalayan Pink Salt.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt Focaccia Bread:

1. Mineral-Rich: Himalayan Pink Salt is naturally rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which offer various health benefits, including supporting electrolyte balance and nerve function.
2. Enhanced Flavor: The addition of Himalayan Pink Salt to the focaccia bread dough adds a subtle yet distinctive flavor, enhancing the taste of the bread and making it more enjoyable to eat.
3. Versatility: Himalayan Pink Salt Focaccia Bread can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty snack or used as a base for sandwiches, paninis, and bruschetta, making it a versatile and delicious option for any meal.
4. Simple Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients, Himalayan Pink Salt Focaccia Bread is easy to make at home and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
5. Customizable: Feel free to customize the focaccia bread with additional toppings, such as olives, onions, or cheese, to create your own unique flavor combinations and cater to your personal taste preferences.

Tips for Making Himalayan Pink Salt Focaccia Bread:

1. Use High-Quality Flour: Use high-quality bread flour for the best texture and rise in the focaccia bread. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps create a chewy and airy texture.
2. Proof the Yeast Properly: Make sure to proof the yeast properly by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar. The yeast should become foamy, indicating that it is active and ready to use.
3. Don't Overwork the Dough: Avoid over-kneading the dough, as this can result in a dense and tough texture. Knead the dough just until it comes together and is smooth and elastic.
4. Let it Rise Twice: Allow the dough to rise twice for the best flavor and texture in the focaccia bread. The first rise allows the dough to double in size, while the second rise helps develop flavor and structure.
5. Be Generous with Toppings: Don't be afraid to be generous with the toppings when making focaccia bread. The dimples in the dough provide pockets for the toppings to sink into, so feel free to add plenty of olive oil, herbs, and Himalayan Pink Salt for maximum flavor.
6. Serve Warm: Focaccia bread is best enjoyed warm in the oven, so be sure to serve it shortly after baking for the freshest and most delicious taste. If reheating leftovers, briefly warm the bread in the oven to restore its crispiness and freshness.