Ingredients:
For the bread:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Fresh rosemary, chopped
For the toppings:
– Smoked pancetta, sliced
– More fresh rosemary, chopped
– Sea salt
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix them well.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a rectangle or a circle. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the dough and sprinkle chopped rosemary and sea salt on top.
8. Place pieces of smoked pancetta on top of the dough. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
9. Bake the bread for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle more chopped rosemary on top.
11. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing it and serving it.
This recipe makes a delicious and fragrant bread that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or a side dish. The smokey flavor of the pancetta pairs nicely with the fresh rosemary, and the bread has a soft and chewy texture that complements the toppings well.
You can also experiment with different toppings for your focaccia. For example, you could try using grilled vegetables, different types of cheese, or different types of cured meats. Focaccia is a versatile bread that can be customized to suit your personal taste.
Overall, making rosemary focaccia with smoked pancetta is a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. This recipe is easy enough for beginners to follow, but it produces a delicious and sophisticated bread that will make you feel like a professional chef.