Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 cup Menconico cheese, grated
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix on low speed until well combined.
2. Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a dough forms.
3. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
8. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
9. Sprinkle the grated Menconico cheese over the dough.
10. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese.
11. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the tomatoes.
12. Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
13. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
14. Cut the focaccia into slices and serve warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 410mg
Total carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 11g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Menconico cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with dried basil.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the topping for extra flavor.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the water is warm but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps it to rise faster.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the focaccia into slices.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the focaccia, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the focaccia on a wooden board or platter for a rustic look.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw dough or cheese to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread that originated in the Liguria region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
The Menconico cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the focaccia, while the tomatoes and basil add a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian