A Mediterranean Delight for Your Gut
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked focaccia wafting through your home. If you’ve been exploring high fibre baking recipes to support your digestive health without sacrificing flavor, this Olive & Rosemary Inulin Focaccia is about to become your new favorite bread.
This isn’t just any focaccia – it’s a gut-loving version that incorporates inulin powder, a prebiotic fiber that nourishes your beneficial gut bacteria. The beauty of high fibre baking recipes like this one is that they combine the joy of traditional baking with modern nutritional wisdom.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Traditional Italian focaccia gets a wholesome makeover in this recipe, proving that high fibre baking recipes can be just as delicious as their conventional counterparts. The addition of inulin not only boosts the fiber content but also creates a wonderfully tender crumb.
The combination of briny olives, fragrant rosemary, and a drizzle of quality olive oil creates a bread that’s perfect alongside soups, as a sandwich base, or simply enjoyed on its own. It’s a testament to how high fibre baking recipes can be both nutritious and utterly satisfying.
Recipe Details
Yield: 1 large focaccia (serves 8-10)
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup miNATURALS inulin powder
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
For the topping:
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water with honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Form the dough: Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, inulin powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead with love: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten structure in high fibre baking recipes like this one.
- First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and second rise: Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a well-oiled 9×13 inch baking pan. Use your fingertips to dimple the surface all over, then stretch the dough to fit the pan. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). When the dough has risen again, press more dimples into the surface with your fingertips.
- Add toppings: Gently press the olive halves into the dimples of the dough. Sprinkle the rosemary leaves evenly across the surface. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool slightly: Allow the focaccia to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the best texture and flavor, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Storage Tips
This fiber-rich focaccia will keep well at room temperature, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply toast frozen slices to refresh.
Why This Belongs in Your Collection of High Fibre Baking Recipes
Unlike many high fibre baking recipes that might compromise on texture or taste, this focaccia maintains all the characteristics we love about traditional Italian bread – a crispy exterior, a soft interior, and those signature dimples filled with olive oil and toppings.
The inulin powder works harmoniously with the flours to create a bread that’s not only delicious but also supports digestive health. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more fiber into your diet without feeling like you’re making any sacrifices.
As you explore more high fibre baking recipes, you’ll discover that ingredients like inulin can be seamlessly incorporated into many of your favorite baked goods. This focaccia is just the beginning of your journey toward baking that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul.
Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired bread as part of your weekly baking routine, and feel good knowing you’re nourishing both your body and your taste buds with one of the most delightful high fibre baking recipes you’ll ever try.
