Bread is something every kitchen has. But focaccia tops the list of breads. Focaccia is a flatbread from Italy. However, it has a fluffy texture and does not look like a flatbread. Did you see small dimples all over it? That’s the beauty. It’s made by the baker’s fingers. It serves as tiny pools for olive oil and herbs.
Discover why focaccia is a great choice for almost any dish. Oh, well – It is pronounced as “fo-kah-cha. Alright, people, let us look at focaccia!
The History of Focaccia
Focaccia originally came from ancient Rome. It was known as ‘panis focacius.’ The word “foco,” means “fire” in Latin. It originates from the fact that it was traditionally cooked over fire.
But now, focaccia has evolved. Now there are regional variations popping up across Italy. Each bread has its own unique twist on the classic recipe.
A DIY Way to Make Focaccia
Focaccia is very simple to make. To make this tasty bread, you do not have to be an experienced baker. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 3 &3/4 cups Bread Flour
- 8-10 tablespoons extra Virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more for topping I used flakey salt
- 5 sliced garlic cloves optional: you can top the bread with anything you like
- sliced red onion
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions:
- Pour warm water, honey, and yeast into a bowl. Mix until frothy.
- Add olive oil, water, and salt to it. Mix it until it becomes a soft dough. Add additional water or flour if needed.
- Keep the dough for at least 5-6 hours in a warm place or overnight for a better texture.
- For the second rise, lightly spread the dough in a baking pan and let it rise again for about 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, drizzle olive oil over the dough and create dimples with your fingers.
- Top with toppings like garlic, red onion, or rosemary.
- Preheat the oven to 450 F and bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden.
How To Keep It Fresh
Focaccia should be eaten right after baking it. That’s how you can taste its realness. But if you want to store it, you can refrigerate it for up to two days.
Remember to tightly seal it in an airtight bag. Reheat the focaccia in the oven for a few minutes before eating it.
How can you pair your favorite focaccia?
- Soup: Dip into a warm bowl of minestrone or tomato soup.
- Sandwich: Slice horizontally and fill with your favorite meats and cheeses.
- Cheese: Serve alongside a variety of cheeses, olives, and cured meats.
- Pasta: Perfect for mopping up sauces from pasta dishes.
- Salad: Complements both green and hearty salads.
- Dipping: Enjoy with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Breakfast: Top with eggs and avocado for a morning treat.
- Snack: Cut into strips and serve with hummus or other dips.
- Pizza Alternative: Add toppings and cheese, then bake for a quick pizza-like snack.
Focaccia, the beloved Italian bread, is not only delicious but also carries a range of nutritional aspects. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical slice of focaccia offers:
- Carbohydrates: A slice contains about 20.4 grams of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. It includes 1 gram of fiber, which aids in digestion, and 1 gram of sugar.
- Fats: There are 4.5 grams of total fat, with 3.32 grams being monounsaturated fatty acids. These are considered healthier fats.
- Protein: Each slice has 5 grams of protein, contributing to your daily protein intake.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Focaccia is a source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and folate. Notably, it provides almost 20% of the recommended daily intake of folate
Focaccia is a versatile bread that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit any taste. Here are some ideas for focaccia toppings that can transform this simple bread into a gourmet treat:
- Classic Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage, with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cheese: Mozzarella, parmesan, or gorgonzola, melted to perfection.
- Mediterranean Mix: Sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Garden Fresh: Thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, finished with fresh basil.
- Sweet and Savory: Caramelized onions, figs, and a balsamic glaze.
- Potato Topping: Thinly sliced potatoes, rosemary, and coarse salt for a hearty option.
- Fruit Fusion: Sliced pears or apples with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts.
- Pesto Spread: A layer of pesto topped with pine nuts and parmesan shavings.
- Spicy Kick: Jalapeños, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like it hot.
- Breakfast Bread: Topped with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Conclusion
Remember, the key to a great focaccia topping is to keep it simple and let the flavors shine. Happy baking and topping!
Tags: Focaccia HistoryFocaccia recipeHomemade Focaccia