Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried yeast
- 300ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 200g canned tuna, drained
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 100g black olives, pitted
- 200g mozzarella cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to form a large circle.
7. Place the dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
8. Arrange the tuna, capers, red onion, tomatoes, black olives, and mozzarella cheese on top of the dough.
9. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
5. Temperature:
200°C
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canned salmon or sardines can be used instead of tuna.
- Green olives can be used instead of black olives.
- Any type of cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.
Variations:
- Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs such as oregano or thyme.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is well-kneaded for a fluffy and light texture.
- Use a good quality canned tuna for the best flavor.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a wooden board or platter with fresh herbs and sliced lemons.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, or sliced lemons.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- If the dough doesn't rise, check the temperature of the room and make sure it's warm enough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the tuna is fully cooked before adding it to the ftira.
Food history:
Ftira is a traditional Maltese bread that is often topped with various ingredients such as tuna, capers, and olives.
Flavor profiles:
The ftira has a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The toppings add a salty and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the ftira as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Maltese