Never made bread?   Don’t be daunted by making this delicious focaccia. It really is so simple. You do need to let it rise in the fridge for 24 hours but it only takes 10 minutes to prepare. Unlike shop bought focaccias, you can use your favourite extra virgin olive oil. Fruity and smooth or peppery and strong. Sprigs of fresh rosemary are traditional and delicious but you can top with olives, sun dried tomatoes or other herbs, pushing them into the dough just before baking. Try this so-easy recipe and let your favourite Caroli extra virgin olive oil sing.

Ingredients

• 500g strong plain bread flour
• Approximately 8 tbsp of your favourite Caroli extra virgin olive oil
• 7g dried fast action yeast (usually one sachet)
• 350-400ml lukewarm water
• 2 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 level tsp flaky sea salt (we love Maldon)
• Plus sprigs of fresh rosemary, (or whole/chopped olives, sun dried tomatoes)

Method

Combine flour, salt and yeast in a large bowl then add the warm water and stir well with a wooden spoon to mix in all the flour. Make sure all the flour is incorporated. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for about 24 hours.

Form the dough into a nice smooth ball, tucking the ends underneath. Line a 25x35cm baking tin with a piece of non stick baking parchment slightly larger than the tin, pushing it into the corners and rub with a good tablespoon of olive oil. Drizzle a little extra oil in the centre. Pop the ball of dough in the tin, cover again with cling film and allow to rise for 2-3 hours at room temperature (the time will depend on the warmth of your kitchen)

Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Immediately before baking drizzle more oil generously over the surface and use your fingers to make lots of ‘dimples’ all over the surface, pushing your fingers right down to the base. Drizzle more oil over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and your chosen toppings. (Rosemary is fantastic - Push sprigs into the dimples!)

Bake for 20 mins until golden and crispy Drizzle a little more oil over the surface when it comes out of the oven Tear or slice and enjoy!