Focaccia

**Ju-Ju** Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:09 am

This focaccia recipe is easy to make and easy to adapt. Try adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme, or perhaps some chopped chilli.

Ingredients

500g/1lb 2oz strong white bread [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
2 tsp [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
2 sachets dried easy blend [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
2 tbsp [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
400ml/14fl oz cold water
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], for drizzling
fine [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Preparation method

Place the flour, salt, yeast, olive oil and 300ml/10½fl oz of the water into a large bowl. Gently stir with your hand or a wooden spoon to form a dough then knead the dough in the bowl for five minutes, gradually adding the remaining water.
Stretch the dough by hand in the bowl, tuck the sides into the centre, turn the bowl 80 degrees and repeat the process for about five minutes.
Tip the dough onto an oiled work surface and continue kneading for five more minutes. Return the dough to the bowl, cover and leave to rise until doubled in size.
Line two large baking sheets with greaseproof paper. Tip the dough out of the bowl and divide into two portions. Flatten each portion onto a baking sheet, pushing to the corners, then leave to prove for one hour.
Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Drizzle the loaves with oil, sprinkle with fine sea salt then bake in the oven for 20 minutes. When cooked, drizzle with a little more olive oil and serve hot or warm.