If you're looking to elevate your baking game with a simple yet delightful Italian classic, look no further than Easy Ligurian Focaccia Bread with Rosemary! This fluffy, aromatic bread is not only a feast for the senses but also a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious snack on its own. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a golden-brown focaccia that's bursting with flavor and topped with fragrant rosemary. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 focaccia
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh rosemary
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour and salt. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Once the dough comes together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 10 minutes, or until it has slightly puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking sheet by drizzling it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- After the dough has risen, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers, gently stretch and press the dough into a rectangle or circle, about ½ inch thick.
- Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. This will help create a nice texture in the focaccia.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves generously over the top of the dough, pressing them gently into the surface. Then, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the focaccia to taste.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if desired, before slicing and serving warm.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh rosemary and high-quality olive oil. Fresh herbs can significantly enhance the taste of your focaccia.
- Perfect Water Temperature: Make sure your warm water is around 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may not activate it properly.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, don't rush it. A good 5 minutes of kneading will help develop the gluten, resulting in a light and airy focaccia.
- Dimpling the Dough: Creating dimples in the dough is not just for aesthetics; it helps the focaccia to bake evenly and creates pockets for the olive oil and rosemary to infuse.
- Experiment with Toppings: While rosemary is traditional, don’t hesitate to experiment with other toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or garlic for a unique twist!
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your focaccia warm, drizzled with a bit of extra olive oil. It’s perfect for dipping or enjoying on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 161kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
