One of the most requested and deeply loved recipes at my wellness retreats is this vibrant, golden-hued Turmeric Focaccia—infused with healing energy, caramelised red onions, and the grounding aroma of nigella seeds. It’s more than just bread—it’s a ritual in itself.
Made effortlessly in my Thermomix, this focaccia combines the power of nourishing ingredients with soulful intention, creating a high-vibrational food experience that’s always a retreat highlight.
Why It’s So Loved
This focaccia is not only visually stunning with its earthy turmeric glow, but each pillowy bite tells a story—of warmth, spice, sweetness, and ancient traditions.
Turmeric supports anti-inflammatory healing and brings solar energy to the body.
Caramelised red onions add depth, sweetness, and comfort.
Nigella seeds (also known as black cumin) offer a peppery, slightly smoky flavour and are revered for their medicinal qualities across cultures.
The Base Recipe (Thermomix Method)
I use a classic focaccia dough base (see images for full recipe), which includes:
• Strong white bread flour
• Olive oil
• Dried instant yeast
• Warm water
• Sea salt
To this base, I add:
• 1 tbsp ground turmeric to the dough for colour and earthy flavour.
• Caramelised red onions (slow-cooked with a touch of olive oil until sweet and golden) instead of cherry tomatoes.
• A generous sprinkle of nigella seeds on top before baking, giving each bite a unique aromatic finish.
Thermomix Tip:
The dough comes together beautifully in the Thermomix with minimal effort. It’s sticky, soft, and forgiving—ideal for stretching and pressing into an oiled tray with your fingertips. The aroma while it bakes is truly divine.
Serving Suggestions:
I love serving this bread warm from the oven, cut into rustic wedges. It pairs perfectly with:
• A simple herb oil dip
• A bowl of warming soup
• A colourful salad from the garden
• Or simply as it is, with a mug of golden mylk or herbal tea
This focaccia has become a grounding ritual for many of my guests— a reminder that nourishing ourselves with love, flavour, and intention is one of the most powerful acts of self-care.
Recipe
Ingredients:
• 500 g strong white bread flour
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1½ tsp dried instant yeast or 20 g fresh yeast, crumbled
• 1 tbsp ground turmeric (your addition)
• 30 g olive oil plus extra for greasing and drizzling
• 350 g warm water plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced and caramelised (your addition)
• 1–2 tsp nigella seeds (your addition)
• 1 tsp coarse sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
Method (Thermomix):
1. Lightly grease a large bowl and a piece of reusable wrap or cling film.
2. Add to mixing bowl:
• Flour, sugar (if using), yeast, turmeric, olive oil, water, and fine sea salt.
• Mix for 20 sec / Speed 6.
• Then knead on Dough mode for 2 minutes.
3. Transfer dough to the greased bowl.
• Return mixing bowl to the base and spin off any remaining dough: 5 sec / Speed 6.
• Scrape and add to the rest of the dough.
• Cover with the wrap or film and let rest until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours).
• Grease a large baking tray towards the end of rising time.
4. Spread dough out on the tray using an oiled spatula.
• Leave to prove for another 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 220°C.
6. Using oiled fingertips, make dimples all over the dough.
• Top with caramelised red onions and sprinkle generously with nigella seeds.
• finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and baked through.