Enjoy making homemade focaccia bread that brings together the mindful joy of artisanal bread-making with aromatic herbs and a golden, crispy crust. Follow these steps to create a focaccia bread that will be a hit at any gathering or as a delightful accompaniment to your meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press the dough evenly onto the baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the dough, ensuring it gets into the dimples. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the entire surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
