grains

vegan

baked

everyday

side dish

soft

Italian

all seasons

Room Temperature

recipe photorecipe photo

Focaccia

Difficulty

easy

Time

3h 15m

Price Category

cheap

Calories

Medium

Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread, captivating with its thick, soft texture and crispy, olive oil-infused crust. It's a perfect accompaniment to salads, soups, or simply enjoyed on its own with a dip. The dough undergoes a slow rise, developing a rich flavor profile and an airy structure. Topped with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt, it offers a true Mediterranean experience.

ingredients

8 Servings

Steps

1

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm water with the yeast and a pinch of sugar (optional, for activating yeast). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or by hand until a sticky dough forms. Don't worry if it's very sticky, this is normal.

2

Proofing and Folding

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. Then, perform 2-3 sets of folds at 30-minute intervals: with oiled hands, reach under the dough, pull it up, and fold it over itself. Repeat 4-5 times around the dough. After this, place the dough in the refrigerator for another 1-2 hours, or even overnight, to deepen the flavors.

3

Shape and Second Proof

Generously grease a 25x35 cm (10x14 inch) baking sheet with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the sheet and gently press it out with oiled hands to evenly cover the bottom. Cover again and let it rise at room temperature for another 30-60 minutes, until it has grown again and is bubbly.

4

Toppings and Bake

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan-assisted). With oiled fingers, create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle generously with more olive oil, sprinkle with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Extra Tips

Don't be afraid to work the dough thoroughly; kneading develops the gluten, which is key to focaccia's airy texture.

The long proofing time is essential for deep flavors and perfect texture, so be patient!

Experiment with toppings! Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions also work wonderfully.

Nutrition

Per 100gPer Serving
120g / 4.2 oz
Calories280 kcal336 kcal
Protein8g9.6g
Fat10g12g
Carbohydrate40g48g
Fiber2g2.4g
Sugar1g1.2g