Portuguese > Bread > Focaccias

Azeitão Cheese and Olive Focaccia Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of pitted and chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup of grated Azeitão cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.

2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl and mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough with a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

5. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers to press the dough into a rectangular shape.

8. Sprinkle the chopped olives and grated Azeitão cheese over the top of the dough.

9. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until it is golden brown.

10. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 8 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 270
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 420mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 9g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pitted and chopped olives in place of black olives.
- If you can't find Azeitão cheese, you can use any other type of soft cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.

Variations:
- You can add other toppings to the focaccia, such as sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic.
- You can also add herbs to the dough, such as rosemary or thyme.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place will help it to rise faster.
- You can use a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet for a crispier crust.

Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the focaccia, place it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until it is warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the focaccia on a wooden board or platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

Pairings:
- Serve the focaccia with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- A green salad or a bowl of soup would be a great side dish to serve with the focaccia.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add more water.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the dough.
- Make sure the dough is cooked to an internal temperature of 190°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread that originated in Genoa.

Flavor profiles:
- The focaccia has a savory and salty flavor from the olives and cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or as a side dish to a main course. It would also be great for a picnic or a party.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Cheesy, Herbal, Olivey