Focaccia

Fluffy Potato Focaccia - a simple and flavorful delight

Focaccia is a traditional bread recipe, loved for its airy texture and versatility in serving. This variant, enriched with potatoes, adds moisture, making it incredibly fluffy and delicious. It is perfect for any meal, can be served warm or cold, and is an excellent choice for those on a fasting diet. Additionally, the fact that it is an economical fasting recipe makes it accessible to everyone. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-60 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 250 ml warm water (make sure it is warm but not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil (choose a good quality oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 level tablespoon of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 level teaspoon of salt
- 1 medium potato (boiled and mashed, this will add moisture and make the focaccia fluffier)
- 450 g white flour (you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)

*For decoration:*
- Cherry tomatoes (whether fresh or frozen, they will add a touch of freshness)
- Pitted olives (preferably black for color contrast)
- Oregano (you can use fresh or dried oregano, depending on your preferences)
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Step by step for a perfect focaccia:

1. Boil the potato: Start by boiling the potato in salted water. Wait until a fork easily pierces it. Once boiled, drain the water and mash the potato until it becomes a smooth puree.

2. Aerate the flour: Sifting the flour is an important step, especially if you do it twice, to aerate it. This will help achieve a lighter texture in the dough.

3. Prepare the dough: Add all the ingredients for the dough into the bread machine, including the potato puree. Set the machine to the kneading and rising program. This process will take about 1 hour.

4. Let the dough rise: After the program is finished, let the dough rise in the bread machine for another hour. This step is essential for getting a fluffy focaccia.

5. Divide the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 2 or 3 pieces, depending on the desired size of the focaccia. I chose to make two focaccias, each in a 22 cm diameter pan.

6. Prepare the pan: Line the bottom of the pan with baking paper and grease it with a tablespoon of olive oil. This will prevent the dough from sticking and will add a delicious flavor.

7. Shape the dough: Take a piece of dough and coat it in the oil in the pan on all sides, then stretch it with your fingers to take the shape of the pan. I recommend using your fingertips to create an interesting texture on the surface.

8. Decorate: Place whole or halved cherry tomatoes (cut side up), sliced olives, and sprinkle oregano on top. Gently press the decorative ingredients into the dough to secure them well.

9. Let it rise: Allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes. This step will ensure an airy texture.

10. Bake the focaccia: Preheat the oven to medium temperature. Bake the focaccia for 25-30 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy on top. It's time to enjoy the enticing aroma that will fill the whole house!

11. Serve: Let the focaccia cool slightly before cutting it, but there is no shame in enjoying it warm, straight from the oven. It is just as delicious served plain or alongside a fresh salad or a flavorful soup.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can add other decorative ingredients such as red onion, bell peppers, or herbs like rosemary or basil.
- Serving: Focaccia pairs perfectly with an olive dip or a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Storage: Thanks to the potato, focaccia stays fresh longer. You can wrap it in aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature, but it is even more delicious if you reheat it slightly before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
Potato focaccia is an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. The potato enhances the fiber content, which can aid digestion. Additionally, olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be slightly different, but the result will be just as tasty.
2. How can I adapt the recipe to include cheese? You can add grated cheese (such as mozzarella) into the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.
3. Is it possible to use fresh yeast? Sure! Use about 20 g of fresh yeast instead of dry yeast.

Potato focaccia is a wonderful recipe that combines tradition with innovation, offering a delicious and satisfying result. So embrace the art of baking and enjoy this fluffy delicacy, perfect for any occasion!