Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round baking pan
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water and olive oil and mix with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
5. Place dough in the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly.
6. Spread tomato paste over the dough and sprinkle with chopped basil and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 8 slices
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 170
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: can be substituted with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour
- Olive oil: can be substituted with vegetable oil
- Tomato paste: can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese: can be substituted with any other type of cheese
Variations:
- Add other herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary
- Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions
- Add other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast
- Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes to ensure a light and fluffy texture
- Use a light touch when spreading the dough in the pan to avoid tearing
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Pairings:
Pair with a light salad or a bowl of soup.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a simple side salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water
- If the dough is not rising, make sure the water is warm enough
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
Food History:
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that dates back to ancient Roman times. It has since become popular in many countries around the world.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of basil and Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or side dish with a light salad or soup.
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Region: Italian