Basic Focaccia

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Combine the yeast and sugar in a bowl. Stir in one-third cup of the water and set aside in a warm place for about five minutes, until the mixture begins to look frothy.

2. Step 2

   Add the remaining water, half the salt, the pepper and three tablespoons of the oil to the bowl. Stir in two cups of the flour.

3. Step 3

   Add another one-half cup of the flour, or as much as is necessary to form a soft dough that can be gathered together. Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface and knead about eight minutes, adding flour as necessary to keep the dough from sticking.

4. Step 4

   Use a half tablespoon of the remaining oil to oil a bowl. Place dough in bowl, turn it to oil all sides, cover it lightly and set aside to rise until it has doubled, about one hour.

5. Step 5

   Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

6. Step 6

   Oil a nine-inch-square baking dish with some of the remaining oil. Roll or stretch the dough to fit in the baking dish. Prick it all over, then brush it with the remaining oil and sprinkle it with the remaining salt.

7. Step 7

   Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the focaccia is browned on the bottom and lightly browned on top. Cut into squares and serve warm or cooled to room temperature.