Basic Focaccia

Focaccia is one of the famous Italian bread. It is a simple and versatile bread. I was longing to bake this bread for quite sometime. I found the recipe here. It came out delicious that we finished it in one sitting. It had a perfect crispy crust and a soft interior. Hubby and kids ate just the bread while I made sandwich with it. This recipe is easy and perfect for a novice baker like me.

What are the ingredients needed?

All purpose Flour, 2 cups.

Active dry yeast,  1 packet

Sugar, 1 teaspoon

Warm Water, 1/3 cup

Olive Oil, 4 Tablespoons (approximately)

Salt, 1 teaspoon

Water, to knead

Coarse salt, to sprinkle on top

How it is made?

1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar, yeast in warm water and set it aside until it is frothy. It takes around 10 minutes.
2. In another large mixing bowl combine flour and salt. Then add this yeast mixture to it and mix with your hands.
3. Then add water little by little till the dough comes together as a ball. Then keep kneading till the dough is smooth and pliable. 
4. Then apply oil to the mixing bowl and to the dough and let it rise till it doubles in size. It will take around 45 minutes.
5. Deflate the dough and knead it briefly and pat this dough to the baking dish greased with olive oil. With fingers gently push the dough evenly on the dish.
6. Cover it with kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes.
7. Make dimples in the dough with finger tips slightly or use a fork to make indentations. Brush oil and sprinkle salt on top of the dough.
8. Preheat the oven to 475 F.Bake the foccacia for 15 - 20 minutes until golden brown.
9. Let it cool down completely before slicing it.

Serve it fresh. It tastes better when served fresh.

Notes:

• For variations, you may add any toppings as per your preference.
• I used a 7 * 11 baking dish, to form a rectangular focaccia. The shape, size and thickness depends on your preference. I wanted to make sandwich so went for a thicker bread.
• Depending on the thickness of the bread oven timing varies. Adjust the oven timings accordingly. 

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