Basic Italian Focaccia

Directions

Mix 2 cups flour with the dissolved yeast. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, either by hand or in the bowl of an electric mixture with a dough hook.

Shape the dough into a ball, and put in an oiled bowl to rise until doubled in bulk, about 3 hours.

Punch down, put the dough on a floured board, and knead again, incorporating the remaining flour, ⅓ cup olive oil, water, and salt. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Let rise again in a covered bowl for another 3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃).

Divide the dough in half and roll out on a well-floured board to circles or squares ½ inch thick.

Brush with the remaining olive oil and press the topping of your choice into the top of each circle. Bake on a baking sheet until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges, squares, or triangles.