Garlic Thyme Focaccia Bread - Vegan

My wife is the bread enthusiast of our home and is the one who can be found making various types of bread in our kitchen. However, in moments that I want to do a little something special for her, this recipe is one that I will continue to come back to as she always enjoys it without fail.

It is easy to make, light and fluffy, and abundant in flavour. I highly recommend taking an extra minute to two to microplane or grate your garlic, as it brings the flavour profile to a whole other level as compared to mincing it.

Ingredients

• 1 & 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F)

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast (or 2.25 teaspoons)

• 3 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 4 cloves minced or grated garlic (grated brings out more flavour)

Directions

1. Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine. Allow the liquid to sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

2. If using a mixer with the hook attachment, set it to low speed and gradually add the thyme, garlic, olive oil and salt, followed by the flour. Increase the speed to medium-low and continue mixing the dough for 5 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl, and if it is too sticky, add extra flour (about 1/4 cup) while it is mixing.

3. If you are kneading by hand, mix the dough until the ingredients are combined and then place the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour. Once done, shape the dough into a ball.

4. Grease the mixing bowl with olive oil and place the dough ball into the bowl and cover it with a damp towel.

5. Place the bowl in a warm location and let the dough rise for 60 minutes or until it has nearly doubled in size.

6. Place a piece of parchment paper on the counter and lightly flour it.

7. After the dough has risen, turn it onto the parchment paper and roll it out into a rectangle until the dough is about 1/2-inch thick.

8. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes, and preheat the oven to 400°F.

9. Transfer the dough onto the baking sheet, and using your fingers, poke deep dents all over the surface of the dough, and then drizzle a tablespoon or two of olive oil evenly all over the top of the dough.

10. Bake for 20 minutes until the dough is slightly golden and baked through.

11. Remove from the oven and place the focaccia on a cooling rack.

12. Slice and enjoy!