Focaccia with tomatoes and garlic

Focaccia with Tomatoes and Garlic

Focaccia is more than just a simple bread; it is a culinary experience, an explosion of flavors, and a window into Italian gastronomic traditions. This flatbread, similar to pizza dough, has deep roots in the history of Ancient Rome, where it was known as panis focacius. Over time, focaccia has evolved, becoming a symbol of Mediterranean flavors, enriched with herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme, as well as olive oil, an essential ingredient for health and taste.

In this recipe, I have added a few special ingredients: goat cheese, flavorful tomatoes, and garlic, which transform focaccia into a symphony of flavors. Get ready to delight your senses and impress your friends and family with this simple yet exceptional recipe.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

- 2 cups of flour (preferably whole wheat flour for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (or 1/4 packet of fresh yeast, about 7.5 g)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 large, ripe, flavorful tomatoes
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons herb mix (thyme and basil)
- 4 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 50 g goat cheese (or alternatively, cheddar or mozzarella)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt. If you choose to use fresh yeast, dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the olive oil and warm water to the bowl with flour. If using baking powder, add it at this stage. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It should be elastic and slightly sticky.

2. Resting the Dough
Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes, covering the bowl with a damp towel. This step will help the gluten develop, giving it a better texture.

3. Preparing the Ingredients
In the meantime, you can prepare the filling ingredients. Slice the tomatoes thinly and crush the garlic. If using goat cheese, slicing or grating it will make it easier to distribute evenly over the focaccia.

4. Shaping the Focaccia
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the dough on the tray and, using your fingers, gently press it from the inside out to form a round shape, about 0.5 cm thick. Be careful not to deflate the dough.

5. Adding the Toppings
Spread the surface of the focaccia with tomato sauce, then arrange the sliced tomatoes and crushed garlic on top. Sprinkle the herb mix and goat cheese, and finally drizzle with a little olive oil for an intense flavor and aroma.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the focaccia for 10 minutes at high heat, then reduce the temperature to medium and bake for another 10 minutes. The focaccia should be golden and slightly crispy at the edges.

7. Serving
Once you remove the focaccia from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into portions and serve warm, alongside a glass of white wine or refreshing lemonade. It is perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish for a cheese platter.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Ingredients: Use ripe, quality tomatoes for a better taste. Extra virgin olive oil will add extra flavor and health benefits.
- Variations: You can experiment with different toppings, such as olives, peppers, or even mushrooms. Focaccia can also be made sweet by adding fruits, honey, or nuts.
- Storage: Focaccia keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days but can be frozen for later use. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Focaccia is a good source of carbohydrates, and by adding tomatoes and garlic, it also becomes a source of antioxidants. Olive oil provides healthy fatty acids, beneficial for the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain flour?
Yes, whole grain flour will give the focaccia a richer taste and denser texture.

2. Is it possible to make focaccia gluten-free?
Sure! Use a gluten-free flour blend and follow the same recipe.

3. What other dishes can accompany focaccia?
Focaccia pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as part of an appetizer platter.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Your focaccia with tomatoes and garlic will surely become a favorite recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!