Focaccia
Focaccia: The Quintessential Italian Bread
Focaccia is a beloved Italian flatbread that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its soft, chewy texture combined with a crispy crust makes it a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Originating from the heart of Italy, focaccia is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine.
Why You'll Love Making Focaccia
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, focaccia is a testament to the beauty of minimalist baking.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it plain, herb-infused, or topped with vegetables, focaccia offers a canvas for your culinary creativity.
- Versatility: Serve it as an appetizer, a side to your main dish, or even use it for sandwiches. The possibilities are endless.
The Magic Behind Focaccia
The secret to perfect focaccia lies in its simplicity and the time dedicated to its preparation. A slow fermentation process, combined with high-quality olive oil, creates its distinctive flavor and texture. The act of dimpling the dough just before baking is not only traditional but functional, allowing olive oil and toppings to pool and infuse the bread with additional layers of flavor.
Enjoying Your Focaccia
Once your focaccia is golden brown and fragrant, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to eat. Focaccia is best enjoyed warm, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt. Whether you choose to savor it on its own or as part of a larger meal, focaccia is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Italian flair to your table.
- 2 1/4 active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (100-110°F)
- 2 all-purpose flour
- 1 salt
- 1 sugar
- 2 olive oil (plus more for greasing and topping)
- 2 olive oil
- 1 coarse sea salt
- 1 fresh rosemary (chopped)
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for about 10 minutes, until frothy. - Mix the Dough
To the yeast mixture, add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. - Knead the DoughTurn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- First RisePlace the dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second RisePunch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch the dough out to cover the sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the OvenWhile the dough is in its second rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Add Toppings and BakeDimple the dough with your fingertips. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and rosemary. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- ServeLet the focaccia cool slightly on a wire rack before cutting into pieces and serving.
Serving Size 1 piece
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- Calories from Fat 60kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7gg11%
- Saturated Fat 1gg5%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 0mgmg0%
- Sodium 290mgmg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 29gg10%
- Dietary Fiber 1gg4%
- Sugars 1gg
- Protein 5gg10%
- Iron 2mg mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
