focacia

Focaccia is a flat oven-baked Italian bread. It is similar in texture and style to pizza dough, often seasoned with olive oil and herbs, and can be flavored with various ingredients. Its origins are in Liguria, Italy, though variations of focaccia are found throughout the Mediterranean.

The name "focaccia" derives from the Latin word focus, meaning hearth or fireplace. This refers to its traditional baking method. The dough is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and salt, with olive oil incorporated into the dough and often drizzled over the top before baking. This oil gives focaccia its characteristic moistness and crispy crust.

Common toppings include rosemary, sea salt, and sometimes tomatoes, olives, or onions. It can be served as a side dish, a sandwich bread, or as an appetizer. Focaccia di Recco is a particularly famous Ligurian variation that features a thin layer of stracchino cheese sandwiched between two very thin layers of dough. The versatility of focaccia has led to its widespread popularity and adaptation in many different culinary traditions.