Olive and Garlic Rosemary Focaccia

Special notes about ingredients :

Here are some special notes about the ingredients used in this Olive and Garlic Rosemary Focaccia recipe:

1. Yeast: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active for proper rising of the dough. If you’re uncertain about the freshness of your yeast, you can proof it by dissolving it with sugar in warm water as instructed in the recipe. If it becomes frothy within 5-10 minutes, it’s active and ready to use.
2. Flour: All-purpose flour is used in this recipe, which provides a good balance of protein and starch for a tender yet sturdy crumb. You can experiment with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
3. Olive oil: Quality olive oil adds richness and flavor to the focaccia. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its fruity notes, but any good quality olive oil will work well. Additionally, some recipes call for brushing the dough with olive oil before baking, which helps create a crisp, golden crust.
4. Olives: Choose pitted black olives for this recipe, as they add a briny, savory flavor to the focaccia. You can use Kalamata olives for a stronger taste, or green olives for a milder flavor. Be sure to slice them thinly for even distribution across the dough.
5. Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are thinly sliced and scattered over the dough, imparting a pungent, aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. You can also use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
6. Rosemary: Fresh rosemary leaves add a fragrant, herbal aroma to the focaccia. Strip the leaves from the woody stems and scatter them over the dough. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary, but fresh is preferred for its vibrant flavor.
7. Sea salt: Coarse sea salt is sprinkled over the top of the focaccia before baking, adding a crunchy texture and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. Avoid using fine table salt, as it may dissolve too quickly and result in uneven seasoning.

By paying attention to these special notes, you can ensure that each ingredient contributes to the delicious flavor and texture of your Olive and Garlic Rosemary Focaccia. Enjoy baking!

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Prepare the pan: Grease a baking sheet or a rectangular baking dish with olive oil.
7. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan.
8. Second rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
9. Add toppings: After the second rise, gently press your fingertips into the dough to create dimples. Drizzle some olive oil over the top, then scatter sliced olives, garlic slices, and fresh rosemary leaves evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
10. Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Cool and serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm as a side dish or

How to serve it ?

To serve Olive and Garlic Rosemary Focaccia, you can present it in various ways depending on the occasion and your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

1. As an Appetizer or Snack: Slice the focaccia into squares or wedges and serve it warm alongside a dipping sauce or spread. Consider pairing it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, a garlic-infused aioli, or a homemade marinara sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
2. With Charcuterie and Cheese: Incorporate the focaccia into a charcuterie board or cheese platter. Arrange sliced meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and fruits around the focaccia slices for a delightful spread. The focaccia serves as a flavorful base for building open-faced sandwiches or pairing with various toppings.
3. As a Side Dish: Serve the focaccia alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes. Its savory flavor and fluffy texture complement a wide range of main courses. You can also use it to make sandwiches by splitting it horizontally and filling it with your favorite ingredients, such as sliced meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
4. For Brunch: Incorporate the focaccia into a brunch menu by serving it with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, avocado, or fresh fruit. It can also be enjoyed with spreads like cream cheese, pesto, or hummus. Offer a variety of toppings and condiments to allow guests to customize their servings.
5. As a Base for Appetizers: Use the focaccia as a base for creating bite-sized appetizers. Cut it into smaller pieces and top each with ingredients such as grilled vegetables, herbed cheeses, roasted tomatoes, or prosciutto for elegant and flavorful hors d’oeuvres.
6. With Soup or Stew: Serve slices of focaccia alongside hearty soups, stews, or chili. The bread can be used for dipping or soaking up the flavorful broth, enhancing the overall dining experience.
7. As a Dessert: Transform leftover focaccia into a sweet treat by drizzling it with honey, sprinkling it with cinnamon and sugar, or spreading it with Nutella or fruit preserves. Pair it with a scoop of gelato or ice cream for a delightful dessert option.

Regardless of how you choose to serve Olive and Garlic Rosemary Focaccia, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its delicious flavor and versatile nature. Enjoy experimenting with different serving ideas to suit your taste and occasion