Easy Zaatar and Sumac Focaccia

Focaccia is a beloved Italian flat bread adored by many. This zaatar and sumac Focaccia is a dreamy Middle Eastern twist on the classic recipe. It is easy to make and requires zero kneading, yielding a fluffy, pillowy, and soft bread on the inside with a golden, crispy crust!

📝 Ingredients

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ((more extra virgin olive oil for tray and bread prep))
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons zaatar ((more to taste))
• 1 tablespoon sumac ((more to taste))
• salt (to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- To Prepare the Dough ---
2. 2Mix together the sugar, flour, and yeast. Add in the salt and olive oil and mix again.
3. 3Pour in the 2 cups of warm water and mix well with a wooden spoon until the flour is well incorporated. It will be extremely sticky and wet.
4. 4Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for half an hour.
5. 5After half an hour is passed, grab the top part of the dough and stretch it upwards lightly, then fold it toward the middle. Do the same for the right, bottom, and left side of the dough.
6. 6Cover and let it sit at room temperature for an hour.
7. 7Once the hour is up, repeat the stretch and folds.
8. 8Cover again and let it sit at room temperature for another hour. Repeat the stretch and folds again so the gluten builds structure, making sure to do the stretch and folds each time.
9. 9Once you complete four stretch and folds , oil a bowl with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and transfer the dough.
10. 10Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 12-18 hours.
11. 11--- To Bake the Focaccia ---
12. 12Remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
13. 13Prepare a 9x13 pan with parchment paper and 1.5 tablespoons olive oil.
14. 14Once the dough is ready, add it to the oiled pan.
15. 15Cover with plastic wrap and let it proof for 2 hours. The dough should reach the pan all along the edges, if not, lightly stretch it to fit.
16. 16When it it is close to finish proofing, preheat the oven to 400℉.
17. 17Once ready, drizzle 2 more tablespoons of olive oil onto the dough and dimple the dough with your fingers.
18. 18Sprinkle the sumac, salt, and zaatar, then bake at 400℉ for 20-30 minutes until the top turns golden.
19. 19Cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.