Foccacia

Description

Focaccia is a versatile and popular Italian bread, characterized by its flat, dimpled surface and infused with olive oil, which gives it a rich and moist texture. Traditionally, it is topped with a simple combination of rosemary and sea salt, but it can also be adorned with various toppings such as tomatoes, olives, garlic, and cheeses. The bread’s light and airy structure is achieved through a long fermentation process, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
Bread flour or all-purpose flour
Warm water
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Salt
Olive oil
Fresh rosemary (or other herbs like thyme or oregano)
Sea salt
Optional: cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, red onion, grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water with sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Coat a baking sheet or a rectangular baking pan with a generous amount of olive oil.
Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it to fit the pan, ensuring it’s even in thickness.
Dimple and Top the Dough:
Use your fingers to press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough.
Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the top, making sure it pools in the dimples.
Sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and sea salt. Add any other desired toppings, such as cherry tomatoes, olives, thinly sliced garlic, red onion, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the edges.
If you prefer a softer crust, you can reduce the baking time slightly.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Focaccia is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed in many ways, from a simple snack to an accompaniment for soups and salads, or even as a base for sandwiches. Its rich flavor and delightful texture make it a favorite in both casual and gourmet settings.