RECIPE BY:

Matt Sinclair

MAKE:

1 loaf

INGREDIENTS :

• ¼ cup Cobram Estate Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus extra
• 300gm strong bread flour
• 2 tsp dry yeast (7gm)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• ¾ cup water (180ml)
• ½ Tbsp. fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
• 3 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
• 5 chilli-marinated green olives, halved
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp chilli flakes

METHOD :

• Sift flour into a large bowl, add the yeast, sugar and sea salt and mix to combine. Create a well in the centre of the flour and pour in olive oil and ½ of the water. Mix together with a wooden spoon to combine. Pour in remaining water and form into a dough. Turn out dough ball onto a lightly floured bench and knead for approximately 5-7 minutes until dough springs back when pressed. Form into a ball and place into a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl tightly with cling film and place in a warm place for 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
• Line a 20cmx30cm baking dish with greaseproof paper.
• Using a fist, knock the air out of the middle of the dough. Turn out onto prepared baking tray and gently press out into the baking tray until 1 inch thick, stretching out to the corners. Press your fingertips into the dough to form dimples. Press in herbs and olives into the dough. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Allow to sit in a warm place for a further 30 minutes to prove.
• Heat oven to 200C (fan-forced) and place focaccia in to bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack. Serve with olive oil for dipping.