Prepare to embark on a delightful journey to create a fluffy and aromatic Rosemary Focaccia with this straightforward recipe. Bursting with flavor, this Italian classic is a versatile companion for any meal or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing)
- Approximately 700 grams of all-purpose flour (about 5 3/4 heaping cups)
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast (1/4-ounce or 2 1/2 teaspoons)
- Approximately 660 grams of lukewarm water (about 2 3/4 cups)
- Leaves picked from 3 sprigs of rosemary
- 2 teaspoons of flaky sea salt
Directions:
Step 1: Begin by generously coating a large bowl with 1/4 cup of olive oil. In another spacious bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and active dry yeast until they are well combined. Add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients and mix either with a spatula or your hands until a wet and sticky dough takes shape. Transfer this dough into the prepared bowl, covering it snugly with plastic wrap. Allow it to rest at room temperature until it rises and doubles in size, which typically takes 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for a slower fermentation.
Step 2: Now, let’s prepare the baking pan. Grease a 13″x9″ baking pan using 1/4 cup of olive oil. Transfer the dough into this prepared pan and gently spread it as much as possible, aiming to reach each corner. If the dough doesn’t stretch entirely, don’t fret; it will relax and expand on its own over time. Grease a piece of plastic wrap sufficiently large to cover the pan with a thin layer of oil. Cover the pan with the oiled side of the plastic wrap facing downward and allow it to rest in a warm place until it doubles in size once more, which should take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. To check readiness, gently poke the dough with your finger – if it slowly bounces back to its original position, it’s ready to move on. You don’t want the dough to remain indented.
Step 3: As the anticipation builds, preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F. Grease your fingertips with a touch of oil and use them to create dimples all over the dough. Now, generously adorn the focaccia with the freshly picked rosemary leaves and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.
Step 4: It’s time to bake this masterpiece! Place the focaccia in the preheated oven, making sure to rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking. Let it bake until it becomes puffed and takes on a captivating golden brown hue, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After removing it from the oven, allow the focaccia to rest for 5 minutes. Serve it warm to fully savor the flavors.
This Rosemary Focaccia is a treat for the senses, offering a heavenly combination of fragrant herbs and the satisfying texture of homemade bread. Enjoy it as a standalone delight or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite meals.