This is a beautifully decorated Sourdough Garden Focaccia, where vegetables and herbs are arranged to create an artistic, garden-like appearance on top of the focaccia dough. Here’s how to make this delightful bread:

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500g bread flour
• 10g salt
• 7g instant yeast
• 350ml warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Decoration

• Cherry tomatoes (various colors)
• Bell peppers (various colors)
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Green onions
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• Black olives, sliced
• Sesame seeds, optional
• Sea salt, for sprinkling
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape and Decorate

5. Prepare the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the dough out into a rectangular shape about 1/2 inch thick.
6. Create the Garden: Arrange the vegetables and herbs on top of the dough to create a garden or floral scene. Press the vegetables gently into the dough to ensure they stick.
7. Second Rise: Cover the decorated dough with a towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Bake

8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
9. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Before baking, drizzle the decorated dough with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and sesame seeds (if using).
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
11. Cool: Allow the focaccia to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated Sourdough Garden Focaccia!