Focaccia with onions and olives

Focaccia with onions and olives – A delicious and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Focaccia is a type of Italian bread known for its fluffy and slightly crispy texture, which has won the hearts of food lovers around the world. This recipe for Focaccia with onions and olives adds a special touch with its combination of flavors and textures, transforming a simple bread into an extraordinary dish, perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to hearty meals.

Ingredients:
- 300 g wheat flour
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 medium onion (preferably white or red)
- Green and black olives, to taste
- Oregano, to preference

Step by step for a perfect Focaccia:

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with the sugar and lukewarm milk. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until the yeast doubles in volume and becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as it ensures the yeast is activated.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a small well in the center. Around this well, add the salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, pour the starter into the center of the flour. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding lukewarm water until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. It is important not to add all the water at once; adjust the amount according to the humidity of your flour.

3. Rising the dough: Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Shaping the focaccia: Preheat the oven to 220°C. After the dough has risen, grease a baking tray with olive oil and dust it with flour. Then, spread the dough in the tray, ensuring it reaches the edges.

5. Adding the ingredients: Brush the surface of the focaccia with a little olive oil, then evenly place the julienned onion over the dough. Add the olives, cut in half or left whole, according to preference. If desired, you can sprinkle oregano on top for added flavor.

6. Second rising: Let the focaccia rise for another 10 minutes, covered with a towel, to achieve a fluffy texture.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the focaccia for 25-30 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. This is the perfect time to cut it into pieces and enjoy!

Practical tips:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh; this is key to a fluffy focaccia.
- You can experiment with different types of olives, such as black ones for a more intense flavor.
- If you prefer a more complex taste, you can add fresh herbs, such as rosemary, to the dough or on top.
- Focaccia is delicious warm, but it can also be stored in the fridge for a few days, perfect for enjoying with a salad or used as a base for sandwiches.

Nutritional benefits:
This focaccia is a good source of carbohydrates, making it ideal for providing energy. The olives add healthy fats, and the onion is rich in antioxidants, having beneficial effects on health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 3-4 g of dry yeast, making sure to hydrate it according to the instructions on the package.

- How can I store focaccia?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week.

- What can I serve alongside focaccia?
Focaccia pairs perfectly with a fresh salad, a soup, or can be used as a base for sandwiches with cheeses or cold cuts.

Make this Focaccia with onions and olives your go-to recipe for relaxing moments with family and friends. It is more than just a dish; it is an invitation to savor the beautiful moments in life!