Focaccia Burger Buns

Focaccia bread rolls are typically seasoned with olive oil, herbs, salt and can also be topped with cheese, seeds and onions. These can be used as hamburger buns or as a side dish to a meal.

Ingredients make 16 buns

550 g water

2 tsp sea salt (10g)

1 tsp caster sugar (6g)

50 ml olive oil

850 g plain flour

8 g instant dry yeast

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tbls dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Method

Place flour, sugar, salt, dry yeast in a bowl and mix. Make a well in the center and add the water and olive oil. Start mixing with a spoon, (I always use my hands). When a rough ball forms switch to kneading with your hand. Knead until all the flour is absorbed. This opens more kneading choices (like slapping the dough on the counter and folding it away from you and then rotate). This kind of handling helps develop the gluten giving your dough more structure and develops elasticity. Keep kneading for approx. 8 min. It will get smooth and silky and very elastic. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  

Allow to rest at room temperature for approx. 40 min until the dough rises almost double in size. Divide dough up in 90 g pieces and form a round ball. Place on a greased baking tray, flatten with your hand and pierce the dough with a fork. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle herbs, seeds or salt on top. Prove for 50 min. at room temperature and bake in the oven on 190º C approx 15 min. Allow cooling on a wire before use.

Note: Focaccia bread rolls are delicious buns and very practical for sandwiches or burgers with your favourite fillings.