HOW TO PREPARE FOCACCIA.

Focaccia is a popular Italian flatbread that’s often seasoned with olive oil, salt, and other toppings such as rosemary, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s a basic recipe for focaccia:

Ingredients:
500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour or bread flour
2 tsp salt
1 sachet (7g) dried yeast (or 2 tsp)
2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
300-350ml (about 1¼ – 1½ cups) lukewarm water
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Fresh rosemary, chopped (or any other desired toppings)
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the dried yeast into the lukewarm water until dissolved.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the yeast-water mixture and the olive oil.
Mix together until a sticky dough forms.
Kneading:

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
Knead for about 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
First Rise:

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Shaping:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled.
Using your fingers, push and spread the dough out to form a rectangle or an oval, depending on your preference. Create dimples all over the dough by pressing your fingers into it.
Topping:

Drizzle olive oil over the top of the dough.
Sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary (or any other toppings you prefer).
Baking:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling & Serving:

Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Focaccia is very customizable. Feel free to experiment with different toppings like caramelized onions, olives, cherry tomatoes, or sliced garlic. Enjoy your homemade focaccia!