Introduction
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with this delightful homemade focaccia bread recipe. Focaccia is a beloved Italian flatbread known for its olive oil-rich, herb-infused crust and its versatility as both a side dish and a sandwich bread. Let's embark on this culinary journey and create a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
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Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Focaccia Dough:
4 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of salt
2 teaspoons of sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water
1/4 cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
For Topping (Customizable):
Extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Coarse sea salt or flaky salt
Black olives, pitted and sliced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Red onion, thinly sliced
Garlic cloves, minced
Let's Get Started!
Preparing the Focaccia Dough:
In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
Pour the yeast mixture into the well, followed by 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Stir the mixture until it comes together into a shaggy dough.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. You can add a bit more flour if it's too sticky.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Topping the Focaccia:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan generously with olive oil. You want the bottom of the pan to be well coated.
Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking pan.
Stretch and press the dough evenly across the pan, ensuring it reaches all corners. If the dough starts to resist, let it rest for a few minutes and then continue.
Once the dough is evenly spread, use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface. These little pockets will hold the olive oil and toppings, infusing the bread with flavor.
Drizzle the top generously with more olive oil. Be generous; this is where the magic happens.
Sprinkle the focaccia with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves. Feel free to customize with olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, or minced garlic according to your preferences.
Baking and Serving:
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it's golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.
Slice it into squares or rectangles, and serve warm. It's absolutely delicious on its own, dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or paired with your favorite Italian dishes.
In Conclusion:
In this article, we've uncovered the secrets to crafting a scrumptious homemade focaccia that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or sandwich bread, this Italian classic is bound to impress.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked focaccia fill your kitchen. Buon appetito!
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