Authentic Italian Recipe for Sourdough Focaccia Alla Genovese

This recipe will guide you through the process of making a traditional Italian focaccia bread, specifically the Genovese style, using sourdough starter. The result is a light and airy bread with a crispy crust and a hint of tanginess from the sourdough. It's perfect as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to a meal. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Toppings: fresh rosemary, coarse sea salt, cherry tomatoes, olives (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, warm water, olive oil, and salt. Stir until the dough comes together.
2. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours. This helps the dough rise and develop flavor.
4. After the first rise, lightly coat a baking sheet or baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and gently stretch it to cover the entire surface.
5. Cover the pan with the damp cloth or plastic wrap again and let it rise for another 6-8 hours at room temperature. The dough should double in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last hour of the second rise.
7. Before baking, create small dimples on the surface of the dough using your fingers. This allows the toppings to sink into the dough.
8. Drizzle some olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with fresh rosemary, coarse sea salt, cherry tomatoes, olives, or any other desired toppings.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the focaccia turns golden brown on top.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

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