Focaccia

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Focaccia is a wonderful bread to make as it can be used in many different guises. It can be served with pasta, on its own with a dipping sauce or even as a pizza base. Paul Ainsworth's focaccia recipe is perfect for all three.

First published in 2015

Ingredients

Metric

Imperial

Focaccia bread

Equipment

  • Food mixer fitted with a dough hook
  • 30cm rectangle baking tray

Method

1
To make the dough, place the flour, salt and dried yeast into a mixer with dough hook attached and mix until thoroughly combined (this can also be done by hand). While the mixer is running, pour in the warm water slowly. Let the mixer work the dough for 5 minutes before tipping out onto a greased work surface
  • 465g of flour
  • 12.5g of salt
  • 318ml of warm water
  • 10g of dried yeast
2
Continue kneading for about 5 minutes longer by stretching out the dough to arms length on the work surface, tucking the sides into the middle as you go
3
Return the dough to the bowl, cover with oiled cling film and leave for around an hour to prove
4
Once the dough has doubled in size gently flatten and stretch to fit into 2 lined baking trays, pushing it into the corners as you go. Leave to prove again for approximately 1 hour
5
Preheat the oven to 220°C/gas mark 8
6
Using the tips of your fingers, dimple the surface of the dough all over. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle liberally with sea salt and scatter over a few sprigs of rosemary
7
Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, brushing it with more olive oil as it cooks
First published in 2015

Southampton-born Paul Ainsworth got his break courtesy of Gary Rhodes, whom he worked for three years. After that, he moved to Gordon Ramsay's organisation, working first at his flagship Royal Hospital Road restaurant and then with Marcus Wareing at Petrus.

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