Focaccia with Onion

To prepare a delicious focaccia with caramelized onions, you will start by mixing the basic ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 500 grams of flour with one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of salt. These ingredients will ensure a balanced flavor and a well-structured dough. Then, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil, which will not only provide a soft texture to the dough but also a rich taste.

In another container, dissolve 25 grams of fresh yeast in 300 milliliters of lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, otherwise the yeast will be destroyed. Once the yeast has completely dissolved, pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Start mixing with a spatula or with your hands until you achieve a softer and slightly sticky dough. Finally, add the remaining two tablespoons of oil and knead the dough well for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth.

After this stage, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This process is essential to achieve a fluffy and airy focaccia. In the meantime, take care of the onions. Peel and slice 2-3 large onions into thin strips. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden. A few minutes before turning off the heat, add ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the onions. Let them fry for another 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the onions cool.

Once the dough has risen, grease a baking tray with olive oil and place the dough in the tray, spreading it evenly. If desired, you can let the dough rise again for about 20 minutes. After the dough is well spread in the tray, spread the caramelized onions on top. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden and crispy on the outside.

After removing the focaccia from the oven, let it cool on a rack for a few minutes before slicing it. This focaccia is perfect as an appetizer, a side for soups or salads, or simply enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Enjoy your meal!