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Focaccia con Olive

Focaccia con Olive

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Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or pan (approximately 9x13 inches)
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water 110°F/43°C
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 cup mixed olives green and black, pitted and roughly chopped
  • Sea salt for sprinkling
  • Fresh rosemary optional, for flavor

Instructions
 

  • Method
  • Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  • Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  • Combine Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, then add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Step 2: Knead the Dough
  • Knead: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  • Step 3: First Rise
  • First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Step 4: Shape the Focaccia
  • Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease your baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
  • Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it out to fit the pan. You can use your fingers to dimple the surface.
  • Add Olives: Evenly distribute the chopped olives over the surface of the dough, pressing them in gently. If you like, sprinkle fresh rosemary on top for added flavor.
  • Step 5: Second Rise
  • Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  • Step 6: Bake
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Drizzle and Sprinkle: Before baking, drizzle more olive oil over the top and sprinkle with sea salt.
  • Bake: Place the focaccia in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Step 7: Cool and Serve
  • Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
  • Serve: Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
  • Variations
  • Herbed Focaccia: Add chopped herbs like thyme or oregano to the dough for additional flavor.
  • Cheesy Focaccia: Sprinkle shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan) on top before baking.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for a tangy twist.