Traditional Moroccan Focaccia Bread (Frena)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 kg bread flour or white all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 750 ml warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing

Instructions

1. Prepare Yeast: Mix yeast, sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit until frothy (~5 minutes).

2. Make Dough: Add flour, salt, the rest of the water, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.

3. First Rise: Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled (~1 hour).

4. Shape: Form the dough into desired shapes.

5. On Pebbles: Preheat oven with pebbles to 470°F. Place dough on hot pebbles. Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden and hollow-sounding.

6. On a Tray: Alternatively, bake the bread on a preheated tray in the oven at 470°F for the same amount of time.

7. Finish: Brush the hot bread with olive oil. Let cool. We love to eat this bread with spicy Moroccan fish, schnitzel, or topped with cheese, olive oil, and za’atar for a delightful blend of flavors.