Fougasse with red onion, cherry tomatoes, and seeds

Fougasse with Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes, and Seeds - A Flavorful Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

Our culinary journey takes us today to the preparation of a focaccia recipe that will delight both the taste buds and the visual senses. Fougasse is a type of flatbread, with a perfectly crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside, and when combined with caramelized red onion, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy seeds, it becomes a true delicacy. This recipe is perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or even as an accompaniment to a festive meal. Let's get started!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 500 g white flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 300 ml warm water

For the Topping:
- 2-3 red onions
- 150 g cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Coarse kitchen salt
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds

Nutritional Information
Fougasse with red onion and cherry tomatoes is a healthy choice, rich in fiber and antioxidants. Red onion provides cardiovascular benefits, while cherry tomatoes offer vitamin C and lycopene. One serving has approximately 200 calories, making it a perfect snack for your daily diet.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the salt and sugar in 300 ml of warm water. Add the fresh yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until it starts to foam. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to give you a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, make a well in the center of the 500 g of white flour. Pour the yeast-water mixture and olive oil into this well. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to incorporate the flour until you obtain a sticky dough.

3. Kneading the Dough:
Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise for 20 minutes in a warm place. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

4. Preparing the Onion:
Meanwhile, peel and slice the red onion into thin julienne strips. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the onion. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a delicious sweetness to your focaccia.

5. Shaping the Fougasse:
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface. Add half of the sautéed onion and knead again for a few moments. Divide the dough into two equal parts and let them rest for 5 minutes.

6. Rolling Out the Dough:
Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a rectangle of about 25/15 cm. Place the two pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Score the dough diagonally, forming a pattern similar to a wheat stalk, to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Adding the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining sautéed onion over the surface of the dough, along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Add the sunflower seeds and sprinkle a little coarse salt on top for extra flavor and texture.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the focaccia is golden and crispy.

9. Serving:
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. It is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served as an appetizer alongside a yogurt and dill dip or as a side dish with a meat meal.

Practical Tips
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. You can check this by seeing if it foams after being added to the water.
- Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best results. Type 00 flour or bread flour are excellent options.
- Variations: Instead of red onion, you can use caramelized onion or other vegetables, such as olives or red peppers. You can also experiment with different types of seeds for the topping.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I store Fougasse?
Keep the focaccia in a paper bag or an airtight container at room temperature. It can be stored for 2-3 days.

3. Can it be frozen?
Yes, Fougasse can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer.

Serving Suggestions
To create a memorable meal, serve Fougasse alongside a fresh arugula salad with grated parmesan and a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. A recommended drink would be a dry white wine or a cold herbal tea, which will complement the delicious flavors of the focaccia.

By trying this recipe, you will not only add a delicious element to your meal but also explore the art of baking a flavorful bread, full of story and tradition. Fougasse with red onion, cherry tomatoes, and seeds will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!