Artichoke Focaccia with Rosemary

Recipe by From a Chef's Kitchen

Artichoke Focaccia with Rosemary is easy to make and will rival any focaccia from an Italian baker. Great for dipping into a fruity extra-virgin olive oil!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
• 1 cup warm water
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 package fast-acting yeast (also called rapid-rise)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed
• 1 bag (12-ounce) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and patted dry of excess moisture
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• coarse sea salt
• good extra-virgin olive oil for dipping

Method

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle the cornmeal over the parchment paper and set aside.
2. Place 2 1/2 cups flour in a large mixing bowl. Make a well.
3. Pour water and 2 tablespoons oil into well. Sprinkle yeast and salt over the water.
4. Stir dough together with a spoon. (Dough will be ragged.)
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Add 1/4 cup flour.
6. Knead dough for 6-8 minutes, adding very small amounts of flour as needed or until dough is smooth, soft and springs back from the touch.
7. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the mixing bowl and place dough in bowl. Turn dough so that it's covered with oil.
8. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm place to rise for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.
9. Meanwhile, prepare artichoke combination: Combine artichoke hearts, rosemary, garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil and salt to taste in a bowl. Set aside.
10. When the dough has doubled in size, cut the dough into four even pieces.
11. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a 6 to 7-inch circle and place on the prepared baking sheet.
12. Create a few "dimples" with your finger.
13. Sprinkle each circle evenly with Parmesan cheese.
14. Place even amounts of the artichoke combination on each of the circles, gently pressing it into the dough.
15. Cover with the towel and let rise again another 30 minutes.
16. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
17. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
18. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Serve, dipped in good extra-virgin olive oil or other seasoned olive oil.

View the recipe instructions at From a Chef's Kitchen