| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 388 | 7g | 1g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 3g | 10g | 2g |
About Focaccia
Welcome to the mouthwatering world that is Focaccia, a traditional Italian bread with an indelible taste and an easy, approachable recipe. This dreamy concoction is made from simple, wholesome ingredients that elevate bread to a whole new level. The distinctive rich olive oil and coarse sea salt that tops its dimpled surface makes it remarkable and a testimony of culinary simplicity transforming into gourmet food.
Understanding Focaccia
Records of bread-making trace back thousands of years. Focaccia, in particular, is believed to have originated with the Etruscans or Ancient Greeks before spreading across the Mediterranean. Its iconic texture – a harmony of a chewy middle and slightly crunchy exterior – is the result of patient and skillful kneading, well-proportioned ingredients, and optimal baking temperature.
Laced with the aroma of fresh rosemary and light notes of olive oil, this bread doubles up as the perfect appetizer or the ideal accompaniment to a variety of mains. It deserves a place of honor in any gourmet kitchen.
Focaccia – the Gourmet Masterpiece
Focaccia is also wonderfully versatile. Enjoy it fresh from the oven with a dab of butter, or make it the rustic base for a hearty sandwich, replacing the predictable sliced bread. Pair it with a savory soup, a refreshing pasta salad, or allow it to soak up the herby, tangy broth of a classic osso buco. Furthermore, if you fancy a thicker-crusted pizza-like experience, this is a comfort food that won’t disappoint.
You can rest assured that making your own Focaccia is a rewarding experience, offering aromas and flavors unparalleled by its store-bought counterparts. Go ahead and try your hand at this simple yet divine bread – who knows, you may even find Focaccia your new gourmet obsession!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 2 cups of lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves
Method
Step One
First, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of sugar in a large bowl. Blend these ingredients together until they’re evenly distributed.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast in 2 cups of lukewarm water. Allow this mixture to sit for around 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
Step Three
Gradually add the yeast and water mixture to your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir well after each addition to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step Four
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dough and knead it in the bowl for approximately 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic once you’ve finished kneading.
Step Five
Cover the bowl with a clean, damp cloth and leave the dough to rise in a warm location for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Six
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Once the dough has risen, press it into an oiled baking tray, ensuring it is spread to an even thickness.
Step Seven
Drizzle the top of the dough with an additional tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves. Use your fingers to create indentations in the top of the dough.
Step Eight
Bake the focaccia in your preheated oven for around 20 minutes, or until it’s a golden brown color. Allow it to cool before cutting and serving.
