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Golden brown Artisanal Sourdough Focaccia with Rosemary, dimpled and topped with fresh herbs and sea salt, on a cooling rack.

Artisanal Sourdough Focaccia with Rosemary


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  • Total Time: 14 hours 50 minutes (includes overnight fermentation)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Master the art of creating a perfectly crisp and airy Artisanal Sourdough Focaccia with Rosemary. This recipe uses a long, cold fermentation to develop complex flavors and an incredible texture, topped with fragrant rosemary and flaky sea salt.


Ingredients

Scale

100g active sourdough starter (fed 4-8 hours prior)
350g warm water (around 95°F / 35°C)
30g extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan and drizzling
400g bread flour (strong white flour)
10g fine sea salt
2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves picked
Flaky sea salt, for topping


Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and 30g of olive oil. Stir gently until well combined.
Step 2: Add the bread flour and fine sea salt to the wet ingredients. Mix with a Danish dough whisk or a sturdy spoon until no dry streaks of flour remain and a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
Step 3: After the 30-minute rest, perform the first set of stretches and folds. With wet hands, gently grab a portion of the dough from one side, stretch it upwards, and fold it over to the opposite side. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this process 3-4 more times. Cover and let rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Repeat the stretch and fold process three more times, with 30-minute intervals between each set. After the final set, the dough should feel smoother and more elastic. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for a long, cold fermentation overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours, up to 24 hours.
Step 5: The next morning, generously drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9x13 inch baking pan (or similar size). Transfer the cold dough directly into the oiled pan. If you're looking for reliable storage, consider using Basics Glass Food Storage containers.
Step 6: Gently dimple the dough all over with your oiled fingertips, spreading it towards the edges of the pan as it relaxes. Drizzle another 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let it proof at room temperature for 2-4 hours, or until it has noticeably puffed up and spread to fill the pan.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the middle position.
Step 8: Once the focaccia has proofed, uncover it. Gently dimple the dough once more with well-oiled fingers. Press fresh rosemary sprigs into the dimples and generously sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 9: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until deeply golden brown on top and around the edges. The internal temperature should be around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
Step 10: Carefully remove the focaccia from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. While still warm, drizzle a final touch of good quality olive oil over the top for extra richness and shine. Let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

The key to a truly great sourdough focaccia is an active starter and patience during the long fermentation. Adjust proofing times based on your kitchen temperature. This recipe yields a delicious, airy loaf that can be enjoyed on its own or as a versatile accompaniment to many meals. Leftovers store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, or can be frozen for longer storage.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breads & Doughs
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of focaccia
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
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