5C (22.30 oz) (630 gr)all purpouse flour or bread flout (with 13 to 14% gluten)
5tsp (0.88 oz) (25 gr)salt
6tbsp (3.18 oz) (90 gr)extra virgin olive oil
4tbsp (2.12 oz) (60 gr)unsalted butter, plus some more extra for the pan
2clovesgarlic, finely chopped (optional)
Salt, coarse (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl place the water with the yeast, honey and mix with a spoon until it is integrated. Let stand for 10 minutes for the yeast to activate.
Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the salt and mix with a wooden spoon. Add the yeast mixture and mix with the same spoon or with your hands until you obtain a slightly sticky dough.
Add 4 tablespoons of oil in a large bowl that fits in the refrigerator, place the dough in it, cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or up to 1 full day to rise (it should look bubbly). If you want to make the focaccia the same day, you can let the dough rest at room temperature for 3-4 hours until it doubles in size.
Spread a little butter in a rectangular baking pan (33 cm x 22 cm) and pour 1 tablespoon of oil in the center of it.
Take the bowl with the dough and, using two forks, pick up an outer part of the dough, lift it with the forks and fold it into the dough. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the same step. Repeat the process 2 more times until the dough is deflated.
Transfer the dough to the mold along with all the remaining oil in the bowl and let it rest, uncovered in a slightly warm place, until it doubles in size for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
Preheat the oven to 230° C. To see if the dough is ready, touch it with a finger and it should return slowly.
Grease your hands with a little oil and flatten the dough hard with your fingers so that they are marked and not very deep holes are formed. Drizzle the focaccia with 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with a little coarse salt.
Bake the focaccia at 230° C for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Place the butter in a small frying pan, bring to medium heat and cook until melted. Add the garlic, cook for a further 30 seconds and remove the pan from the heat.
Once the focaccia is ready, remove it from the oven and brush it with the garlic butter. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, unmold it and cut it into squares or rectangles.