First and foremost, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. To make a basic focaccia, you will need:
– 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of warm water
– 2 teaspoons of sugar
– 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– ¼ cup of olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
– Toppings of your choice (such as herbs, olives, or cherry tomatoes)
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start the dough. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy. This will activate the yeast and help the dough rise.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Slowly mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. If it feels too dry, you can add a little bit of water, or if it feels too wet, add a little more flour.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, press the dough into an even rectangle or circle, about 1 inch thick. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before shaping it further.
Now comes the fun part – topping the focaccia! Drizzle the top of the dough with olive oil and press your favorite toppings into the dough. Popular choices include fresh rosemary, thyme, sliced olives, or halved cherry tomatoes. Be creative and experiment with different combinations!
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Once it’s done, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
To serve, you can cut the focaccia into squares or wedges. It can be enjoyed warm as a standalone snack, or used as a base for sandwiches or as a side dish to complement pasta or salads.
Learning how to cook focaccia is not only a rewarding experience but also a delicious one. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this Italian classic in your own kitchen. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the dough rise to new heights of flavor!