Focaccia

Focaccia is a classic Italian bread that hails from the region of Liguria. Known for its soft, chewy texture, and savory toppings, focaccia is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for sandwiches, bruschetta, or served alongside soups and salads. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, focaccia is a favorite among bread lovers. In this article, we’ll explore the art of making focaccia and provide you with a delicious recipe to try at home.

The Essence of Focaccia: Focaccia is characterized by its dimpled surface, which is achieved by pressing fingertips into the dough before baking. It is typically made with olive oil, giving it a distinct flavor and moist texture. The toppings can vary, but the most traditional version includes a generous sprinkling of coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary. However, you can get creative and customize your focaccia with a variety of ingredients such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, or cheese.

A Recipe for Classic Focaccia:

Ingredients:

For the Focaccia Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups (450g) bread flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil

For Topping:

• Coarse sea salt
• Fresh rosemary leaves (or other desired toppings such as olives or sun-dried tomatoes)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Focaccia Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
   • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil.
   • Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape and Proof the Focaccia:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a baking sheet or a rectangular baking pan.
   • Transfer the risen dough to the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it to fit the pan, pushing it out with your fingertips to create the characteristic dimples.
   • Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes to allow it to rise slightly.
3. Add Toppings and Bake:
   • Once the dough has rested, drizzle the surface with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves (or other desired toppings).
   • Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden brown on top and the bottom is crisp.
   • Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
4. Enjoy Freshly Baked Focaccia:
   • Focaccia is best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or alongside your favorite dips and spreads.