Description
Focaccia is an Italian bread known for its rich, soft texture and its ability to absorb flavors through toppings like rosemary, sea salt, garlic, and more. It’s a flatbread that is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, then baked until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Unlike many other types of bread, focaccia is typically not shaped into loaves but rather spread out on a baking sheet or in a skillet, allowing for its characteristic flatness.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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2 teaspoons instant yeast
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1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
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¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
For the Topping:
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2-3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
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Coarse sea salt (to taste)
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Additional olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Focaccia:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air.
- Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or a large cast-iron skillet.
- Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add Toppings:
- Once the dough has risen, drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt evenly across the surface.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic cloves, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the dough before baking. Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt