This focaccia recipe is perfectly soft, fluffy, and satisfyingly chewy. I sprinkle with lots of fresh rosemary and crunchy flaky sea salt, and drizzle with extra olive oil just before serving. Do you ever wonder how restaurants serve it so delicious every time? Now you can too!

INGREDIENTS 

[SERVES 12]

500g bread flour, plus extra for dusting

7g activated yeast 

2 tsp fine sea salt 

5 tbsps extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing and serving 

1 tsp flaky sea salt 

1/4 small bunch of rosemary, with sprigs picked

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1

Pour flour into a large mixing bowl. Mix yeast into one side of the flour, and the fine salt into the other side. Combine together. The initial separation prevents the salt from killing the yeast instantly.

STEP 2

Form a well in the middle of the flour and add 2tbsps of extra virgin olive oil and 350-400mL of lukewarm water. Add the water gradually until you have a slightly sticky dough- do not use all the water if it is not necessary to. Sprinkle your work surface with flour and tip the dough onto the surface, scraping around the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough on the surface for about 5-10 minutes or until your dough is soft and less sticky. Move the dough into a clean bowl and over with a tea towel to rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size. 

STEP 3

Oil a rectangle, shallow baking tray [25x35cm] with extra virgin olive oil. Transfer the dough back onto the work surface and stretch it out to fill out the baking tray. Place in the tray and cover the dough once more with a tea towel and let rise for another 35-45 minutes.

STEP 4

Heat the oven to 410 degrees F. Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples. Combine together 1 1/2 tbsps olive oil, 1 tbsp water, and the flaky salt- drizzle over the dough. Push the sprigs of rosemary into the dimples in the dough. 

STEP 5

Bake for 20 mins until golden. When the bread is still hot, drizzle 1-2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil. Cut into squares and serve warm or cold with an extra drizzle of olive oil. BUON APPETITO!