Genoese Focaccia

Genoese focaccia, known in the local dialect as “a fügassa,” is a classic specialty from Ligurian cuisine. The tradition of making this ancient bread is so deeply rooted in Genoa that it has become a Slow Food heritage product. The preparation time is quite long, but I recommend giving it a try—you’ll be glad you did! The quantities listed are for 2 baking sheets, each about 12x16 inches (30x40 cm).
Genoese Focaccia
Genoese focaccia, known in the local dialect as “a fügassa,” is a classic specialty from Ligurian cuisine. The tradition of making this ancient bread is so deeply rooted in Genoa that it has become a Slow Food heritage product. The preparation time is quite long, but I recommend giving it a try—you’ll be glad you did! The quantities listed are for 2 baking sheets, each about 12x16 inches (30x40 cm).
Steps
- 1
Place the bread flour and all-purpose flour in a bowl. Mix with a spatula, then make a small well in the center and pour in most of the water.
- 2
Mix again to let the water absorb, then add the brown sugar (or malt) and all the salt at once.
- 3
Mix, pour in the remaining water, and continue mixing with the spatula until you have a uniform dough. Once the salt is fully incorporated, add the crumbled fresh yeast.
- 4
Mix again. The dough is now ready to transfer to your work surface. Knead by hand vigorously.
- 5
After a few minutes, when the dough becomes smoother and more elastic, pour the olive oil over the dough.
- 6
Continue kneading on the work surface to fully incorporate the oil, kneading vigorously. You may need to dust with a little flour. It should take about 13-15 minutes to get a smooth, even dough.
- 7
Divide the dough into two pieces of about 500 grams each. Shape each into a rectangle with your hands, then fold it in thirds by bringing one end toward the center, folding again, and rolling it so the seam is on the bottom, on a lightly floured surface.
- 8
Repeat with the other half of the dough. Cover with a towel and let rest for about 30 minutes.
- 9
Remove the towel, take one dough ball (keep the other covered). Grease the first baking sheet with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of olive oil. Place the dough on a floured surface, flatten it with your fingers to stretch it, then roll it out with a rolling pin. Transfer it to the baking sheet.
- 10
Cover with a towel and let rest for another 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, repeat the process with the second dough ball.
- 11
After 30 minutes, dust the focaccia lightly with flour and press it out with your palms to stretch it to fill the pan. Cover again and let rest for 1 hour.
- 12
Prepare the brine by mixing the water and salt together.
- 13
Uncover the focaccia, dust it with a little flour, and make the classic dimples by pressing with your index, middle, and ring fingers, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) between each dimple.
- 14
Pour 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of olive oil and 6 tablespoons (90 grams) of brine over the center of the dough, then gently spread with your hand to fill all the dimples.
- 15
Let rise for another 45 minutes, this time uncovered.
- 16
Bake in a conventional oven for 15 minutes—no longer, or the focaccia will dry out. The top should be golden. Brush with a little olive oil to give it a shine.
- 17
Let cool for a few minutes, then serve.
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