Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and 100ml of the water (warm, not hot). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  7 g instant yeast, ½ teaspoon sugar, 440 ml water
• In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the “00” flour and strong white flour. Add the fine sea salt and mix well.
  400 g “00” flour or sub for plain white flour, 200 g strong white flour, 1.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture, the remaining 340ml of water, and the olive oil.
  1.5 tablespoon olive oil
• If mixing by hand, use a spatula to mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. Keep mixing to build gluten structure for at least 3 minutes. If using a stand mixer, fit the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 5 minutes.
• Place the kneaded dough into a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• Grease a large baking tray (about 30x40 cm) with olive oil. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking tray and spread it out evenly using your fingers.
• Cover the tray loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise for another 45 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 220 °C (or 200 °C fan).
• After the second rise, grease your hands with some extra olive oil and use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. If using, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, crushed garlic cloves, pitted olives, and rosemary sprigs evenly over the top. Drizzle with 2 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  150 g cherry tomatoes, 6 cloves of garlic, 100 g olives, 6 small sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoon olive oil, Pinch flaky sea salt
• Place the baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown.
• Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool completely. Slice and serve.