Focaccia - the carb to your soul

Focaccia is defiantly having its moment right now and rightfully so - its freaking delicious!

There is literally nothing better than fresh, warm, homemade bread wafting out of your oven! That YOU made! Especially when it is paired with olive oil and flaky salt *chefs kiss*!

This recipe is simple with no fancy equipment needed. Just you, a bowl and love for bread!

Whether you are new to baking or a seasoned professional - this recipe has you covered!

Prep time:

• Mixing - 15-25 min

• Resting - 2-3 hours

Baking time: 25-30 min

Tools:

• Large bowl

• Fork

• Baking tray (any size)

• Tea towel
  

Ingredients:

• 500g Bakers flour

• 400ml warm water

• 7g dried yeast OR 4g fresh yeast

• 10g sugar OR 1 tsp honey

• 10g salt + extra for topping

• +++ olive oil

Optional toppings:

• Herbs (fresh for dried)

• Cheese (any!)

• Tomatoes

• Olives

• Garlic or caramelised onion (never enough garlic!)

Method:

1. Activate your yeast:

   In a bowl mix yeast, warm water and sugar together. Leave it for about for 5 minutes until you see the yeast start to bloom.
   You will notice a cloud like substance starting to develop on the top of your mixture - this means the yeast is ready!

2. Mix your dough:

   Add the flour and salt into the bowl. Using a fork, whisk and mix the dough together until everything is combined.
   Cover with a damp tea towel and let it rest for 30 mins.

3. Stretch and fold:

   After 30 minutes, give the dough a few stretch and folds - nothing fancy here just pull one side of the dough up and on top of itself a few times.
   Cover and rest again until it has doubled in size (~1-2 hours depending on room temp).

4. Tray it up

   Generously coat your tray with olive oil (and when I say generous I mean generous!)
   Transfer the dough onto the tray and drizzle with some more olive oil.
   Make sure your dough is covered in olive oil to prevent it from drying out or sticking!
   Cover with a damp tea towel and rest again until it doubles in size (~1hour).

5. Toppings and dimples

   Once it has doubled, add more olive oil on top and dimple the dough with your fingertips - giving it the focaccia look!
   Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on top and add your toppings of choice.

6. Bake time

   Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees for 30 mins.
   Once hot, transfer the dough into the oven and bake for 25-30 mins (or until golden and crisp ontop)

7. Cool and enjoy!
   Let it cool for ~10 mins after baking before cutting into it (if you can lol!)
   Enjoy solo, as a sandwich, alongside a soup or however your heart desires!

Courtney & Sia x