Focaccia Genovese is a traditional Italian flatbread hailing from the Liguria region, particularly Genoa. Renowned for its golden, crispy crust and airy interior, this focaccia is distinguished by its distinctive dimples and generous use of olive oil.
Often enjoyed as a breakfast item, snack, or appetizer, it embodies the essence of Ligurian baking traditions. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a beloved choice for many. Its simplicity and versatility have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Why You Will Love the Focaccia Genovese Recipe
If you’re seeking a bread that’s both comforting and flavorful, Focaccia Genovese is the answer. Its unique preparation method and ingredients result in a bread that’s both satisfying and versatile.
- The dough is enriched with olive oil, resulting in a moist crumb and a crisp crust.
- Generous dimples on the surface trap olive oil, enhancing flavor.
- A brine of olive oil, water, and salt is poured over before baking, ensuring a savory finish.
- Optional toppings, such as rosemary or onions, add aromatic depth.
- Perfect for various occasions, from casual snacks to elegant appetizers.
Ingredients You Will Need
To recreate this authentic Ligurian bread, gather the following ingredients. Ensure you have all items measured and ready before beginning the preparation process.
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 225 ml lukewarm water
- 1 tsp dried yeast
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 tbsp water (for finishing)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for finishing)
- Coarse salt (for finishing)
- Optional: rosemary leaves, thinly sliced onions, olives, cherry tomatoes.
How to Make Focaccia Genovese
Follow these steps to create your own Focaccia Genovese. Patience is key, as the dough requires time to rise and develop its characteristic texture and flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, dried yeast, and honey. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Second Rise
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to spread the dough to fit the sheet, creating dimples on the surface. Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Brine
In a small bowl, combine the water, olive oil, and coarse salt until the salt has dissolved.
Step 4: Apply the Brine
Once the dough has risen, pour the brine evenly over the surface, ensuring it fills the dimples. If desired, add optional toppings like rosemary or thinly sliced onions.
Step 5: Bake the Focaccia
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Focaccia Genovese
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water, dried yeast, and honey. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (428°F). Punch down dough and transfer to greased baking sheet. Spread dough with fingers, creating dimples. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise 30 minutes.
- Mix water, olive oil, and coarse salt until salt dissolves.
- Pour brine evenly over dough, filling dimples. Add optional toppings like rosemary or onions if desired.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
Serving Tips for Focaccia Genovese
Enhance your Focaccia Genovese experience with these serving suggestions. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with other dishes, these tips will elevate your meal.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water.
- Enjoy as a standalone snack or appetizer.
- Use as a sandwich base for meats or cheeses.
- Dip in olive oil or balsamic vinegar for added taste.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
- For a sweet twist, spread with fig jam or honey.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Benefits of Focaccia Genovese
Focaccia Genovese provides a balanced macronutrient profile, making it a satisfying addition to various meals. A typical serving provides approximately 278 calories, with 6 grams of total fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat. The bread contains 48g of carbohydrates and 7g of protein per serving.
While it is a source of refined carbohydrates, the inclusion of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats. The optional addition of toppings like rosemary or onions can provide additional nutrients and antioxidants. Enjoying focaccia in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Focaccia Genovese is a delightful Italian bread that combines simplicity with rich, flavorful notes. Its airy texture, golden crust, and aromatic toppings make it a versatile choice for a variety of occasions. By following this recipe, you can bring a taste of Liguria into your home. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, paired with your favorite accompaniments, and savor the authentic flavors of Italy.