Focaccia - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 envelope yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water
pinch of sugar
2 tsp. coarse or kosher salt, divided
4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
4 c. flour
2 tsp. minced, fresh rosemary or thyme or a combination (optional)

Preparation

In a 1-cup measure, combine yeast, 1/4 cup water and the sugar.
Stir. Let stand 5 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl with remaining 1 1/4 cups of water, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of oil.
Add 2 cups of flour and stir until smooth. Gradually add 1 more cup of flour and herbs, stirring until well combined.
On floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic, at least 10 minutes, adding remaining 1 cup of flour as needed.
(Dough will be soft.) Place in oiled bowl.
Cover and let rise until doubled.