Ingredients:
- 500g strong plain flour
- 7g instant yeast
- 10g salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 350ml lukewarm water
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., cherry tomatoes, rosemary, olives, sea salt)
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by sieving the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the instant yeast, salt, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Slowly add the lukewarm water while continuously stirring the mixture. Keep mixing until a sticky dough begins to form.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pushing it away with the heels of your hands, then folding it back onto itself.
Continue kneading for about 10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour to your hands and the surface.
Step 3: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Preparing the Baking Tray
While the dough is rising, prepare a baking tray by drizzling it with olive oil and spreading it evenly with your fingers or a pastry brush. This will prevent the focaccia from sticking to the tray and add extra flavor.
Once oiled, sprinkle the tray with a little flour or coarse semolina, if desired. This will give the bottom of the focaccia a crispy texture.
Step 5: Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to the prepared baking tray and stretch it out to cover the entire surface.
Cover the tray with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes. This second rise will help develop the softness and airiness of the focaccia.
Step 6: Final Touches
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) while the dough is undergoing its final rise. At this point, you can add your desired toppings.
To create those traditional focaccia dimples, gently press your fingers into the dough, creating evenly spaced indentations. Drizzle the top with some extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle sea salt, and add your chosen toppings.
Step 7: Baking
Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen is simply irresistible!
Step 8: Enjoy!
Remove the baked focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve it warm or at room temperature, cut into squares or wedges. It’s perfect on its own, as an accompaniment to soups or salads, or even as a base for sandwiches. Enjoy your homemade soft and crispy focaccia!
There you have it! With this step-by-step guide, making a delectable focaccia at home has never been easier. Give it a try and delight your taste buds with this Italian classic. Bon appétit!