Bread & rolls
Rosemary olive oil focaccia
Focaccia gets its surface from deep fingertip dimples and a generous film of oil.
- Total time
- 240 min
- Servings / pieces
- 8
- Topic
- Bread & rolls
Focaccia gets its surface from deep fingertip dimples and a generous film of oil. The dough finishes rising in its oiled tin. Scatter fresh rosemary sparingly so individual needles season the bread without dominating it. The timing includes the stated rises, which can take longer in a cool kitchen. Watch volume and dough tension as well as the clock. Weigh flour and liquid, keeping extra dusting flour separate from the measured dough ingredients.
Method
Step by step
- 01
Mix
Mix flour, water, yeast, fine salt and 20 g oil into a soft dough.
- 02
Develop the dough
Stretch the soft dough in its bowl with damp hands and fold it back over itself. Avoid making it firm with large amounts of extra flour: its high moisture is intentional for an open crumb.
- 03
Let rise
Rise for 90 minutes, folding after 30 and 60 minutes. Coat the tin with 15 g oil.
- 04
Shape
Transfer to the tin, gently stretch out and prove for 40–50 minutes. Press deep dimples with oiled fingers. Add remaining oil, rosemary and coarse salt.
- 05
Bake
Bake in a preheated 220°C conventional oven for 25–30 minutes. Both the surface and underside should be golden.
- 06
Cool
Cool on a wire rack so steam can escape from the underside too. Slice only once the crumb is no longer hot; cutting too early can compress the interior and make it seem gummy.
Times are a guide. Your hob, oven and ingredients affect the result; use the cooking cues as well as the clock.
Ingredients and dough texture
The oil is divided between dough, tin and surface rather than added without measurement. Excess coarse salt makes the dimples unpleasantly salty; use less if preferred and adjust at the table.
Serving and storing
Cut into broad pieces and serve with tomatoes or vegetable soup. Refresh leftovers briefly in a frying pan or oven.
Kitchen questions
One more question?
Why does the dough shrink back?
Rest for five to ten minutes before stretching again.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes, use about half a teaspoon because its flavour is more concentrated.
Should rosemary sit below the surface?
Press individual needles lightly into the dimples so they do not stick up dry. Remove woody stems. Deeply scorched needles taste more bitter than herbs sitting in the oil film.
