Quick focaccia bread in Tales from the kitchen witch

4 cups (512 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour, see notes above
2 teaspoons (10 g) kosher salt
2 teaspoons (8 g) instant yeast, see notes above if using active dry
2 cups (455 g) lukewarm water, made by combining 1/2 cup boiling water with 1 1/2 cups cold water
butter for greasing
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1-2 teaspoons herbs. Fresh from my garden, Basil, Thyme, Oregano.

INSTRUCTIONS
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the water. Using a rubber spatula, mix until the liquid is absorbed and the ingredients form a sticky dough ball. Sprinkled chopped fresh herbs in dough .Rub the surface of the dough lightly with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel, cloth bowl cover, or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator immediately for at least 12 hours or for as long as three days.

Line two 8- or 9-inch pie plates or a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or grease with butter or coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Pour a tablespoon of oil into the center of each pan or 2 tablespoons of oil if using the 9×13-inch pan. Using two forks, deflate the dough by releasing it from the sides of the bowl and pulling it toward the center. Rotate the bowl in quarter turns as you deflate, turning the mass into a rough ball. Use the forks to split the dough into two equal pieces (or do not split if using the 9×13-inch pan). Place one piece into one of the prepared pans. Roll the dough ball in the oil to coat it all over, forming a rough ball. Repeat with the remaining piece. Let the dough balls rest for 3 to 4 hours covered depending on the temperature of your kitchen

Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 425°F. Pour a tablespoon of oil over each round of dough (or two tablespoons if using a 9×13-inch pan). Rub your hands lightly in the oil to coat, then, using all of your fingers, press straight down to create deep dimples. If necessary, gently stretch the dough as you dimple to allow the dough to fill the pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt all over. Top with other herbs and spices as desired. Things like slices of dried tomatoes are common.
Transfer the pans or pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the underside is golden and crisp. Remove the pans or pan from the oven and transfer the focaccia to a cooling rack. Let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Other topping ideas. Mince garlic into your olive oil for a garlic bread.
Follow the recipe through the step in which you dimple the dough just before baking. Arrange your toppings — sliced peppers, asparagus, scallions, olives, tomatoes, onions, etc. — over top and dimple again, pressing the ingredients into the dough to embed them — you can be more aggressive than you think. I have even seen pansy and nasturtium flowers used ( They are edible)

Last updated June 09, 2024