How to Make Sourdough Focaccia alla Genovese - A Step-by-Step Guide

Sourdough Focaccia alla Genovese is a classic Italian bread that originated in the coastal city of Genoa. This fluffy, airy bread is known for its dimpled surface and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. What sets this focaccia apart from the others is the use of sourdough starter, which adds depth of flavor and a slightly tangy taste to the bread.

This recipe requires a bit of patience, as the dough needs to rest and ferment for an extended period of time. However, the...

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Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups high-protein bread flour (such as King Arthur Flour®), divided
  • 1 cup water, divided
  • ¾ cup sourdough starter discard, at room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, or as needed
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 12 pitted green olives
  • 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon flaked salt

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 hrs
  • Total Time: 5 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 1 12x16-inch focaccia

  • Mix 1/2 cup bread flour, 1/4 cup water, and sourdough discard together with a wooden spoon. Add a little flour to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add starter mixture and allow to rise in a warm area, without direct sunlight, until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  • Attach dough hook and begin to mix the starter. Add remaining flour, 3 tablespoons oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix in enough of the remaining water until dough pulls from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball; you may not need the full 3/4 cup. Knead dough in the mixer for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer dough to a work surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes. Score and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise in a draft-free place until doubled in volume, at least 2 hours, and up to overnight.
  • Lightly oil a shallow 12x16-inch baking pan. Knead dough for 5 minutes. Spread into the pan using your hands. Whisk 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon water together. Sprinkle a little bit over the focaccia. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in height.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Push into the focaccia with your fingertips, leaving indentations about 1 1/2 inches apart. Evenly distribute olives and cherry tomatoes on top, pushing them into the dough. Sprinkle rosemary leaves and flaked salt on top. Sprinkle a little more of the oil-water mixture on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Drizzle olive oil on top before serving.
  • Nutrition

    270 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 479mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 34g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 23mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 122mg