Basic Stuffed Focaccia Recipe

Step 1

Add 1 tbsp of sugar and the yeast to the warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

In a large bowl mix flours, salt and remaining sugar with a whisk.

Step 3

After 5 minutes, pour foamy yeast mixture into flour and stir through with a fork until it comes together. Knead dough briefly in with the dough in the bowl before turning out onto a floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes adding flour until dough no longer sticks to your hands or the bench.

Step 4

Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with cling wrap and place in a warm spot for at least an hour or until the dough doubles in size.

Step 5

While dough is proving, finely dice the garlic and combine with other filling ingredients.

Step 6

After an hour, oil a large baking tray and tip dough out onto it. Spread dough to the edges of the tray and spread the filling mixture over the top. Fold one third of the dough into the middle from the right, then the next third in from the left (a letter fold). Flip the dough seam-side down in the tray and using light fingers push to the edges of the tray. Cover with a clean tea towel and let rise in a warm place for an hour.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Step 8

Brush the top of the focaccia dough with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and push any extra olives into the dough. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding to the tap.

Step 9

Allow to cool completely and slice using a bread knife.