This recipe for Focaccina offers a delightful Italian culinary experience right in your kitchen. These small, homemade flatbreads are made with a simple, yet flavorful dough that's topped with rich gorgonzola cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano flakes, and arugula, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures - creamy, tangy, crisp, and savory.
Why You'll Love This:
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh ingredients and herbs offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Artisanal Feel: Homemade bread always has a special, comforting quality.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different toppings to suit your taste.
- Italian Charm: Brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your dining table.
Ingredients:
For the Focaccina:
- 500 g flour (type 1 or “0”)
- 350 ml water
- 3 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- 150 g gorgonzola cheese
- Mixed cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Parmigiano-Reggiano flakes
- Arugula
- Extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- In a bowl, pour in all the flour and make a well in the center. Add yeast, water, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly for about 10 minutes using a wooden spoon. Add the salt last and continue to blend, first with the spoon and then with your hands.
- Knead until you get a smooth, soft, and homogenous dough.
- On a floured surface, perform folding by lifting the dough from the sides towards the center. Ensure the seam is always facing downwards.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 10 hours, or in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- After rising, divide the dough into 200 g portions. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Take each portion, stretch them with your hands on a work surface, add your desired fillings, and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 25-30 minutes.
Serve these Focaccine warm, topped with a drizzle of olive oil, and enjoy a taste of Italy with each flavorful bite! 🍅🌿🧀🍞✨