Sourdough Focaccia alla Genovese

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Classic Genovese focaccia made without commercial yeast. I adapted this recipe during the Covid-19 lockdown. Using a mother dough gives the taste an edge commercial yeast just can't achieve. I do the second rise overnight. This way it will be ready to bake for lunchtime.

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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
5 hrs
Total Time:
5 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 12x16-inch focaccia
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 ½ cups high-protein bread flour (such as King Arthur Flour®), divided

  • 1 cup water, divided

  • ¾ cup sourdough starter discard, at room temperature

  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, or as needed

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 12 pitted green olives

  • 6 cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary

  • ½ teaspoon flaked salt

Directions

  1. Mix 1/2 cup bread flour, 1/4 cup water, and sourdough discard together with a wooden spoon. Add a little flour to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add starter mixture and allow to rise in a warm area, without direct sunlight, until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

  2. Attach dough hook and begin to mix the starter. Add remaining flour, 3 tablespoons oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix in enough of the remaining water until dough pulls from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball; you may not need the full 3/4 cup. Knead dough in the mixer for 5 minutes.

  3. Transfer dough to a work surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes. Score and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise in a draft-free place until doubled in volume, at least 2 hours, and up to overnight.

  4. Lightly oil a shallow 12x16-inch baking pan. Knead dough for 5 minutes. Spread into the pan using your hands. Whisk 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon water together. Sprinkle a little bit over the focaccia. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in height.

  5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

  6. Push into the focaccia with your fingertips, leaving indentations about 1 1/2 inches apart. Evenly distribute olives and cherry tomatoes on top, pushing them into the dough. Sprinkle rosemary leaves and flaked salt on top. Sprinkle a little more of the oil-water mixture on top.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Drizzle olive oil on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

270 Calories
12g Fat
34g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 270
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 479mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 6mg 35%
Potassium 122mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.