How to Make Focaccia

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare a clean surface on which to handle the dough.

   This can be a bread board or a wooden table, but make sure to wash the surface thoroughly, since it will be in direct contact with the dough.
   
   If you will use a table that gets used for other purposes, wipe it with dish soap and then wipe again to rinse, as you would a dish.
   
   Now is a good time to tie up long hair and wash your hands, too.
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   Step 2: Run some warm water into a stoneware bowl.

   Real yeast is not difficult to handle, but it will help if you keep it warm.
   
   A good rule of thumb with yeast is that it will like the temperatures you would like in a warm bath.
   
   Some warm water from the tap will preheat the bowl nicely, and stoneware, if you have it, will help to hold that heat. ,,,,, Mix until you have a smooth, batter-like consistency.
   
   You can also do some of the mixing and kneading with an electric mixer, if you have a dough hook. ,,,, If in doubt, knead longer than you think you need to.
   
   It is difficult to over-knead by hand.
   
   Sprinkle flour on top of the dough as needed to keep your fingers from sticking.
   
   Kneaded dough should be springy and smooth when it is ready.
   
   See if it bounces back when you poke a finger into it.
   
   Also try the "earlobe test".
   
   Pinch an earlobe-sized piece of dough and see if it feels about like an earlobe. ,,, Turn the ball of dough over and roll it to coat the other side. ,, The dough is ready when you can push a finger or two into it and not have it spring back. ,, This is exactly what it sounds like.
   
   Give the dough a good, hard punch, right in the middle.
   
   It should deflate like a popped balloon. ,, Something roughly round or rectangular is fine.
   
   It need not take up the whole sheet.
   
   It should be about half an inch (1-1.5 cm) thick and a fairly uniform thickness.
   
   Repeat for the other half of the dough. ,, The dough should puff up. ,, Push your fingers into the dough to make little dents around on the surface. , Use a pastry brush to spread it evenly across the surface. ,,, A pizza cutter will help. , A bowl or basket lined with a clean dish towel or napkin makes a good presentation.
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   Step 3: Chop finely the rosemary and any other herbs you wish to add to the dough.

4. 4

   Step 4: Pour the warm water out of the bowl and dry the bowl with a clean dish towel.

5. 5

   Step 5: Mix one cup of the flour with the rest of the dry ingredients

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   Step 6: including the yeast and rosemary

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   Step 7: in the bowl

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   Step 8: but reserve about half of the flour.

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   Step 9: Add 2 tablespoons of the oil

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    Step 10: then add the warm water.

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    Step 11: Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

12. 12

    Step 12: Gradually add the rest of the flour

13. 13

    Step 13: continuing to stir.

14. 14

    Step 14: Begin to use your hands to mix the dough as it becomes too thick or sticky to work with a spoon.

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    Step 15: Turn out the dough onto a clean

16. 16

    Step 16: floured surface when it behaves more like dough than like batter.

17. 17

    Step 17: Knead the dough by hand for about ten minutes

18. 18

    Step 18: working in any remaining flour.

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    Step 19: Shape the kneaded dough into a round ball.

20. 20

    Step 20: Pour a little olive oil into the bowl.

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    Step 21: Roll the dough around in the bowl to coat the surface.

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    Step 22: Cover the dough with plastic wrap (better) or a damp towel (traditional) to keep the moisture in during the rise.

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    Step 23: Leave the dough to rise in a warm (but not hot) place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in bulk.

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    Step 24: Turn the dough onto a floured surface.

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    Step 25: Punch down the dough all over.

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    Step 26: Divide the dough into two equal pieces.

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    Step 27: and pull each piece into a flat sheet that will fit on your pizza pan or cookie tray.

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    Step 28: Grease or oil two pizza pans or cookie trays and place the dough on them.

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    Step 29: Cover both sheets or pans with plastic wrap (it will help to oil the plastic wrap or add a bit of cooking spray) and rise for another 20-30 minutes.

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    Step 30: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C

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    Step 31: gas mark 6 ).

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    Step 32: Remove the plastic wrap.

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    Step 33: Drizzle olive oil on the surface of the dough.

34. 34

    Step 34: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and any other additions you'd like.

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    Step 35: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

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    Step 36: Cut into squares 3-4 inch squares or strips.

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    Step 37: Serve warm or cool

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    Step 38: but serve fresh as soon as possible.

Detailed Guide

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