Damiano Carrara's homemade focaccia
It's the sandwich bread of choice in Italy, so who better to show us how to master homemade focaccia than Bake Off Italia judge Damiano! All you need is just a few ingredients and no specialist equipment. Whether it's served warm with fresh rosemary and oil, or paired with fillings, this fluffy bread is sure to be a favourite.
Damiano’s Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
Serves: 1 large focaccia can make 6-8 sandwiches
Ingredients
360g room temp water7g of dried yeast4g caster sugar400g 00 flour (strong bread flour)40 g extra virgin olive oil6-8g table salt
To top:Sea salt flakes
Suggested Sandwich Fillings:Roasted pumpkinsSausagesStracchino or BrieSautéed mixed peppers, onions and courgettesHerbs Goats Cheese
Method
1. In a bowl mix the water with the dried yeast and sugar until fully combined and a light foam forms on the surface. Add the flour and olive oil, mix together with a spoon, then add the table salt. The dough should be a wet consistency.
2. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Prepare a proofing oven by filling a large roasting tray with boiling water and placing it into a cold oven. This is to create steam. Place the bowl of dough into the oven and leave to rise for 2 hours. Ensure the door is closed shut.
3. After 2 hours, pour the dough into a well oiled 20x30cm baking tray. Oil your hands and press the dough into the four corners of the tray. Dip your fingertips in more oil then press them into the dough touching the bottom of the tray and making small indents all over. If the dough is still sticking to your hands, coat them in a little more oil.
4. Repeat the proving process by refilling the tray with boiling water in a cold oven and leave the dough to prove for 1 hour. Sprinkle it with sea salt flakes.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 190C/gas 5 for about 18-20 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool. Serve warm or cold with extra virgin olive oil or with your choice of sandwich fillings.
Damiano’s suggested sandwich fillings:
Roast Pumpkin & Sausage: Roast the pumpkin in the oven with sausages. Fill the focaccia with sliced brie on the bottom and top with the roasted sausages and pumpkin.
Mixed Sautéed Vegetables: Slice the mixed peppers, onions and courgettes. Sauté them with some oil and fresh chopped garlic. Place your herbs and goats cheese on the bottom of the focaccia, and top with the mixed vegetables.