To eat just as it is, without needing to add anything: Genoese focaccia, fragrant and crispy, is ideal for a tasty mid-morning snack or an afternoon treat. But any time is a good time to bite into its softness: in Liguria, for example, it's common to enjoy it even for breakfast, dunking it in cappuccino or milk!
So let’s discover how to prepare this true culinary institution, which likely dates back to the Republic of Genoa when bread was a staple for the population. Here is the recipe for Genoese focaccia from our Cesarino Tomaso!
Genoese focaccia
Ligurian specialty suitable for any time of the day
DifficultyEasy
Preparation time2h 15m
Cooking time15m
€
CostLow
Ingredients
- For the dough (30x40 cm tray):
- 200 gr all-purpose flour (00)
- 100 gr Manitoba flour
- 250 ml room temperature water
- 8 gr fine salt
- 10-12 gr fresh yeast
- 20 gr extra virgin olive oil
For the brine:- 5-7 gr coarse salt
- 100 gr room temperature water
- 15 gr extra virgin olive oil
Method
- Combine the flours, add the oil and salt, and start kneading.
- Dissolve the yeast in all the water and gradually add it to the dough.
- Knead the dough well until it's smooth and homogeneous.
- Generously grease the baking tray.
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and finish stretching it by hand directly in the tray.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for a couple of hours.
- Meanwhile, prepare the brine by mixing water, coarse salt, and oil.
- Preheat the static oven to 220-250°C (428-482°F).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the tray and press the dough with your fingertips to create irregular dimples.
- Mix the brine well and pour it over the dough.
- Bake the focaccia for about 15 minutes until the surface is golden.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve.
Cesarine Experiences in Liguria
The gastronomic experiences offered by Cesarine in Liguria are an authentic way to discover local cuisine while immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of world-renowned places like the Cinque Terre or Portofino. Experience the true essence of Liguria—with a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and hospitality—by enjoying a delicious lunch, a sumptuous dinner, or taking part in a traditional Ligurian cooking class!