Focaccia

Method

• step 1

  Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl. Mix the yeast into one side of the flour, and the fine salt into the other side.

  

• step 2

  Then mix everything together, this initial seperation prevents the salt from killing the yeast.

  

• step 3

  Make a well in the middle of the flour and add 2 tbsp oil and 350-400ml lukewarm water, adding it gradually until you have a slightly sticky dough (you may not need all the water).

  

• step 4

  Sprinkle the work surface with flour and tip the dough onto it, scraping around the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5-10 mins until your dough is soft and less sticky. Put the dough into a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for 1 hr until doubled in size.

  

• step 5

  Oil a rectangle, shallow tin (25 x 35cm). Tip the dough onto the work surface, then stretch it to fill the tin. Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for another 35-45 mins.

  

• step 6

  Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples.

  

• step 7

  Mix together 1½ tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp water and the flaky salt and drizzle over the bread. Push sprigs of rosemary into the dimples in the dough.

  

• step 8

  Bake for 20 mins until golden. Whilst the bread is still hot, drizzle over 1-2 tbsp olive oil. Cut into squares and serve warm or cold with extra olive oil, if you like.