Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia (soaked method)

I’m into all things soaked grain these days and have been experimenting with various recipes to see which will work and which won’t! And this whole-grain focaccia is a definite win in this house.

Why soak grain? Whole grains that are soaked, soured, or sprouted have a lower glycemic index than ones that have not, making them more easily digestible and easier on our blood sugar. We love bread, so this method has revolutionized our meals.

You’ll find all my soaked grain recipes here. More are coming!

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Ready? Let’s get started!

This is a two-part recipe that you can’t simply whip-up first thing in the morning, so read through and plan accordingly.

Recipe — Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia (soaked method)

Makes 8 servings. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd!

12-24 hours before (or overnight), mix the following in a stand mixer, or mix by hand:
• 1.5 cups white whole wheat flour*
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour*
• 3/4 cup water (temperature unimportant)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Mix until all the flour products are wet. Add a little water if you need to! Cover and leave on the counter for 12-24 hours. I run the Bosch mixer for a couple of minutes to incorporate the liquids, then put the lid on it and leave it on the counter until morning.

In the morning (or a minimum of 12 hours later), add the following:
• 1 rounded teaspoon instant OR active dry yeast
• 1 rounded teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon honey (I actually don’t measure this, just use a little blop)

Knead for 8 minutes. If you have a Bosch or a Kitchen Aid, let it do the work. Add oat flour (ground-up oats) as needed to get the correct consistency. You want the dough to hold together and no longer be sticky. The goal is NOT o see how much flour you can make the dough absorb. If you’re unfamiliar with kneading bread, maybe seek out a tutorial elsewhere.

If you don’t have an electric mixer, go ahead by hand. I have done it many times. Have a little oil for your hands. Have oat flour ready to sprinkle in as needed. Set the timer for 8 minutes, and get to work. Don’t skimp on the time LOL. Use the oil on the countertop and on your hands to keep the dough from sticking. Add oat flour if it is too sticky. Again, seek out a tutorial if you’re unfamiliar.

When the dough is of desired consistency and elastic in feel, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp tea towel. Let it rise until double in bulk. Depending on the temperature in your kitchen, this may be anywhere from 1-2 hours. If your kitchen is really cool, place the bowl in your oven with only the oven light on.

Meanwhile, snip and grate…

• 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes snipped into tiny bits
  and placed in 1/2 cup of boiling water to soften
• 1 clove garlic, grated

When the dough has risen, strain the tomato bits and add them to the dough, along with the grated garlic. Knead for 2-3 minutes until the add-ons are well integrated.

Then smoosh out onto a greased 12-14″ round pizza pan. Use a rolling pin if you like.

Let rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.

Heat oven to 425º

Use a fork to prick the focaccia all over, then spray the top lightly with oil. Sprinkle on top:

• 1 teaspoon dry basil or oregano (1 tablespoon if fresh)
• 2 tablespoons of dry grated Parmesan cheese

Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown . Cut into pieces (a pizza wheel works great!) and serve.

*I can’t get the Prairie Gold brand of white whole wheat flour in Canada, so I’ve been using Sher White Whole Wheat Atta Fibre Wala, which is available in the ethnic section of many grocery stores.

Friends, I’m a Christian author of contemporary romance. I write cowboys, farmers, and small-town dwellers in my green, clean romances. My characters farm, garden, and cook from scratch (sometimes even THM!). Readers love my characters and my communities. Maybe you will, too! I have over 60 titles in 10+ series. It would mean a lot to me if you’d check out my books page. You can purchase my fiction in ebook from Amazon or borrow in Kindle Unlimited. Paperbacks are available at many online retailers, and some of my titles are in audio.

My newest release (as of December 2025) is Her Hopeful Heart, the story of an overweight divorcée who struggles to believe in her own worth.

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