Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup grated cașcaval cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the dough evenly on it.
7. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the dough and sprinkle grated cașcaval cheese and dried oregano over them.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Let the focaccia cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 490mg
Sugar: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cașcaval cheese, you can use any other type of hard cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar.
- You can use fresh basil instead of dried oregano.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
- Add sliced olives or capers for a Mediterranean twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the water is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps it to double in size and become fluffy.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover focaccia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the focaccia for up to 1 month.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the focaccia, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
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
- Red pepper flakes
- Balsamic glaze
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or soup.
- Pair with a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette
- Minestrone soup
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add more water.
- If the focaccia is not rising, make sure the yeast is fresh and the water is warm enough.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before starting to cook.
- Store the focaccia in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread that originated in Genoa.
- It was traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with olive oil and sea salt.
Flavor profiles:
- The cașcaval cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the focaccia, while the tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor.
- The dried oregano adds a savory and earthy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or a side dish.
- It can also be served as a main dish with a side salad or soup.
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Region: Romanian