Focaccia

Basic Italian Foccacia. Delicious and simple. Prep time includes rising time.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 3 1⁄4 cups unbleached flour
• 2  tablespoons fast rising yeast
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus a little for brushing
• 1 1⁄4 cups warm water (more or less)
•  sea salt (but I wouldn't leave it out) (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine the flour, yeast and salt.
2. Using a wooden spoon, stir to mix well.
3. Add the 3 tbs olive oil.
4. While stirring, add the warm water until all of the flour absorbs and a dough forms.
5. You may need more or less of the water.
6. No biggie.
7. Gather dough into a ball and transfer to a floured work surface.
8. Knead until soft and elastic, not sticky.
9. Probably 10 min or so.
10. Place dough in a lightly oiled and warmed bowl, turning several times to coat it with oil.
11. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place till doubles, around 45-75 minutes.
12. Position rack on lower part of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.
13. Brush a 10x15 baking pan with olive oil and set aside.
14. Punch down dough and transfer to foured surface.
15. Knead a few times and let rise for 5 minutes.
16. With palms form into a rectangle about 4x8 inches.
17. Transfer into pan.
18. Stretch and pat the dought to fit pan completely end evenly.
19. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise about 1 inch (30 min or so).
20. Using fingertips, make'dimple' indentations in the dough about 2 inches apart.
21. Brush surface with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
22. Bake til golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
23. Let cool for a few minutes, cut into squares and serve warm.
24. Before baking, you can also add roasted red peppers.
25. It's absolutely delicious.