Focaccia from Novi Ligure "focaccia novese o di novi ligure"

How to make Focaccia from Novi Ligure Recipe "focaccia novese o di novi ligure" - Preparation time: 15 minutes – Cooking time: 20 minutes – Rising time: 1 1/2 hours

4 Servings

for the focaccia:
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. (12 g) fresh yeast, crumbled
1 cup plus 1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. (275 ml) lukewarm water
1 1/2 tsp. (5 g) malt or 3/4 tsp. (5 g) honey
1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. (20 g) softened lard or vegetable shortening
1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. (25 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. (10 g) salt

for the genoese brine:
1/2 cup (100 ml) water
3 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. (50 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. (14 g) coarse salt

Method:
Put the flour onto a clean work surface and make a well in the center. Dissolve the yeast in the water. Pour the yeast mixture and malt into the well, and gradually start incorporating them into the flour a little at a time. Stir in the lard and the oil and lastly, add the salt. Knead the dough until soft, smooth, and elastic.

Cover the dough with a sheet of lightly oiled plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

To make the brine, combine the water, olive oil, and coarse salt in a bowl. Stir to make an emulsion and then let it rest.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled baking pan, stretching it gently with your fingertips until 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick. Prod the surface of the dough with your fingers, forming small dimples where the seasoning will collect. Sprinkle the focaccia with the brine and let it rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush the surface of the freshly baked focaccia with olive oil.

Focaccia from Novi Ligure "focaccia novese o di novi ligure"