After making the best focaccia ever, I was a little obsessed with the idea of making a whole-wheat focaccia that was just as good, or even better. But with all that was going on, it took me until now to actually make it. Boy, was it worth the wait!

My Whole Wheat Focaccia is not just soft as a pillowy cloud with a divinely chewy crust, it is also a good-for-you bread that you don’t have to feel guilty about cramming down your gullet. Slice it into half and slap on some vegan mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes and you will have a delicious meal you’ll never forget. You can even eat it as is, or with some extra virgin olive oil drizzled on.

To achieve the perfect wholegrain foccacia, I put all of my trust in that stinky old mess no serious bread baker should be without, especially if he or she loves wholegrain breads: sourdough.

Sourdough elicits some strong reactions: there are those who love it and those who hate it. I kinda belong to both groups. I am not a fan of sour breads, but I do love the texture that sourdough gives breads, especially wholegrain breads. So I tread the middle path: I use just enough sourdough to give me the texture and a hint of great flavor without any of the sourness. It’s a win-win.

Sourdough also plays a valuable role in wholegrain bread-baking. It helps wholegrain breads, handicapped by their low gluten content, rise and become airy, the way high-gluten breads are. Mark Bittman of the New York Times wrote a great article last week about wholegrain baking and the important role sourdough can play in making it better. If you have never baked before with sourdough and don't know where to start, read this post from my archives to begin your own sourdough starter. It's the easiest thing to do and you will reap the rewards forever.

To give even more flavor to my already delectable whole wheat foccacia, I brushed on an intoxicating medley of rosemary, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and garlic. All of these vibrant flavors infuse the bread during the baking and make it even more delicious, if possible. The oil also gives the focaccia a beautiful golden hue, making it food for the eyes as well.

This is pretty much a no-knead bread, made using the same technique from America's Test Kitchen that I used in my last focaccia recipe, so it's quite easy to make as well. I know you’re just raring to read the recipe so I won’t keep you from it anymore. Next, watch out for my dessert recipe for our Valentine’s Day countdown series: a chocolatey treat you will not be able to resist.

Enjoy, all!

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