Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1½ cups lukewarm water
- ¼ cup Sallaku Olive Oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
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Preparing the Dough: In a mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add ¼ cup of Sallaku Olive Oil to the yeast mixture.
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Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Gradually pour the yeast and olive oil mixture into the flour, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1½ hours or until doubled in size.
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Shaping the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers to press the dough evenly into a rectangle or oval shape, about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
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Infusing with Flavors: Using your fingers, make dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle Sallaku Olive Oil generously over the dough, letting it pool in the dimples. Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt over the top.
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Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 20-30 minutes, allowing it to slightly puff up.
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Baking: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with a bit more Sallaku Olive Oil if desired.
This Sallaku Olive Oil and Herb Infused Focaccia is a fragrant, flavourful bread perfect for sharing as an appetiser, pairing with soups, or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal.