Fennel, Kalamata, Rosemary and Pecorino Focaccia
CATEGORIES
INGREDIENTS
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- 1/4-ounce active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 11 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fennel
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary nettles
DIRECTIONS
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the water, yeast and sugar; stir to dissolve the sugar and yeast.
- Allow the yeast to bloom in the bowl, forming bubbles or a foam on the surface of the water.
- Add the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil to the bowl and mount onto the mixer.
- Use a dough hook attachment to mix the flour and liquid on low speed until a dough is formed.
- Once the dough is formed, raise the speed to medium and beat the dough for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and place in a lightly greased bowl covered with a damp kitchen towel (or plastic wrap), to proof until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- While the dough is proofing, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 10-inch saute pan and once hot, add the fennel, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper to the pan and saute until lightly caramelized, about 3 minutes.
- Remove the fennel from the pan and set aside until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Punch the dough down and place on a lightly oiled 9 1/2 by 13-inch sheet pan.
- Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow to double in size again, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Use your hands to flatten the dough so that it fits across the entire pan.
- Spread the sauteed fennel across the surface of the dough, followed by the olives, pecorino, and rosemary.
- Drizzle the remaining 6 tablespoons of the olive oil over top the dough and place in the hot oven.
- Bake until golden brown, about 15 to 17 minutes.
- Rotate the focaccia halfway through the cook time to ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.