Rosemary Garlic Focaccia
There are numerous styles of “focaccia” from various regions of Italy. As you travel through Italy you will find focaccia’s that vary with different thicknesses, toppings and texture.
What is focaccia made of? The basic combination is flour, extra virgin olive oil, yeast, herbs, salt and pepper. The most important part that adds great flavor is extra virgin olive oil that should be also in the dough.
Even if the content is very similar to pizza, focaccia needs a longer leaven time than pizza. Focaccia can be eaten anytime; for meal, snack, soup dipper, appetizer…
Prep time: 2 hours
Bake time: 20-25 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
For 20*30cm (8*12”) baking tray
240 ml lukewarm water
350 gr flour (plus more for kneading)
90 ml extra virgin olive oil
7 gr (1 packet) dry yeast
½ tsp honey
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
A pinch of black pepper
½ tsp salt and a pinch of kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, chopped rosemary and black pepper and set aside.
Pour the water into a bowl and add yeast and honey. Let it rise for a few minutes.
Put the flour and salt into a mixture bowl then pour the water with yeast and honey and 3 tbsp olive oil combination.
Begin to knead the dough with your hands or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until the dough comes together.
Transfer to floured surface and knead with your hands 1-2 minutes. If you hardly to knead due to the dough too sticky you can sprinkle some flour on it.
Grease on it with some olive oil and cover with plastic wrap or a moist kitchen towel and set aside to rise for 1 hour.
Transfer the dough to oiled baking tray and after grease your hand press the dough down gently to settle on the tray. And let it for the second time to rise for half an hour.
Once the dough rises, by using your finger to dimple the dough and pour the remaining olive oil-garlic mixture and spread all surface. Let the dough rise again for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 200C/400F
Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on it.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Bon Appetit
