Since I arrived here in Italy, I have this passion about baking especially bread .
The Italian kitchen is a very rich one ...easy , yet delish !!
Anyway , about Focaccia...I tried a couple of recipes before but this one was the best ever...Let's get baking.
Ingredients:
4 C AP flour
1 1/2 ts salt
1/2 cube yeast or an envelope of dry yeast.
2 - 2 1/4 cups warm water.
1 1/2 TBs olive oil. " I used extra virgin"
Procedure:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour and oil ; stir well to combine. Stir in additional water if needed ( I don't think so ), . When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes.( the dough is a bit sticky i.e well hydrated)
- Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. ( first rise)
- Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface; knead briefly. Pat or roll the dough into a sheet and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.let rise for an hour (second rise)
- dip your finger in oil and make small dimples like in the photo , sprinkle with kosher salt and rosemary if desired.
- preheat your oven to 200 degrees ..
- Bake focaccia in preheated oven for 20 minutes, depending on desired crispness. If you like it moist and fluffy, then you'll have to wait just about 10 minutes.
- Buon Apettitio...
