Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
- ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, dried oregano, and instant yeast. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, create a well in the center of the mixture and slowly pour in the warm water and extra virgin olive oil. Using a spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading by pushing the dough away from you with the heel of your hand. Fold it back and repeat for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour onto the surface and continue kneading. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as it may result in a dense focaccia.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a clean, greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Focaccia
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a rectangular baking dish. Using your fingertips, press and stretch the dough evenly to fill the entire surface of the pan. Remember, the dimples you create will be filled with flavor!
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped focaccia with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This will allow the dough to relax and rise slightly before baking.
Step 6: Season and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Before placing the focaccia in the oven, use your fingertips to gently press into the dough, creating small indentations. Drizzle the top with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle sea salt flakes over the entire surface.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia turns golden brown and develops a lovely crisp crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Your homemade focaccia is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm as an appetizer, alongside soups, or as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite pasta dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
There you have it – a simple, step-by-step guide to making a divine homemade focaccia. We hope you find joy in creating this delectable bread from scratch. Happy baking!