Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 pound cooked sausage, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°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 rectangle shape.
8. Arrange the sliced sausage on top of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
9. Sprinkle the chopped herbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage.
10. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy.
11. Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 13g
Sodium: 710mg
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cooked sausage in this recipe, such as Italian sausage or chorizo.
- Instead of fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. Use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs in place of 1/4 cup of fresh herbs.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use any type of grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the focaccia for extra flavor.
- Use different types of herbs, such as basil or oregano, to change the flavor profile.
- Add sliced tomatoes or olives to the focaccia for extra texture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the water you use to make the dough is warm, but not too hot. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- To make the dough rise faster, place it in a warm place, such as on top of the oven or in a warm oven (turned off).
- If you don't have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with olive oil instead.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the focaccia, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the focaccia, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the focaccia on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the focaccia on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look.
- Cut the focaccia into small squares and serve as an appetizer.
- Garnish the focaccia with extra herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve the focaccia with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough doesn't rise, it may be because the water was too hot or the yeast was expired. Try again with fresh yeast and make sure the water is warm, but not too hot.
- If the focaccia is too dry, brush it with olive oil before serving.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the sausage is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F before using it in the recipe.
- Store leftover focaccia in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
- Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread that is similar to pizza dough. It is typically topped with olive oil, salt, and herbs, and sometimes other ingredients such as cheese or vegetables.
Flavor Profiles:
- This focaccia has a savory flavor from the cooked sausage and herbs, and a salty flavor from the Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the focaccia warm or at room temperature.
- Cut into slices or squares for easy serving.
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Region: Italian