Focaccia
This oven-baked flatbread, usually topped with a variety of savory ingredients, is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its delectable flavors. But what sets it apart from other breads?
It starts with its preparation: Focaccia is typically prepared with a high hydration dough, giving it an airy texture and flavor. This dough is then punched down several times before getting stretched out into a large sheet and spiked with fork pricks to ensure even baking.
Next, you'll use your imagination to top it off. Popular options include onions, olives, grilled vegetables, and herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme. For a finishing touch, sprinkle on some flaky sea salt and drizzle with fruity extra-virgin olive oil.
But Focaccia isn't just a pleasure to eat, it's also incredibly versatile. In winter months, it makes a great base for a hearty pizza, and in summer it can be transformed into sweet, yellow-hued focaccine—a cake-like version enjoyed by Italian families during special occasions.
The next time you're in Italy, stop by a bakery and pick up a slice of Focaccia. Its unique combination of textures and flavors will have your taste buds awe-struck. From its softness to its subtle herbiness, this iconic Italian dish proves that simple can be sublime.
Focaccia recipes
Amazing Focaccia recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Focaccia
The origins of Focaccia, a beloved Italian flatbread hailed for its crispy exterior and its soft, pillowy center, can be traced back to the ancient Roman Empire. Its earliest incarnation was known as Panis focacius, a yeast-leavened flatbread made with wheat flour, olive oil, salt, and herbs. It originated in the northern Italian city of Genoa, where it was brought over by the Greek colonists who first settled there in the 7th century BC.
The Romans adopted this flatbread during the 1st century AD and turned it into a staple food among the lower classes due to its affordability. This eventually led to it being adopted by the rest of Italy, becoming popular throughout the entire country.
As time passed, Focaccia underwent a number of transformations, adapting to local tastes and preferences. It became thicker, often topped with ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, cheese, or even cured meats. It gradually began to take on the form we know today, with the dough kneaded and shaped into different shapes such as rounds, rectangles, cones, and rings.
With the emergence of modern cooking techniques, Focaccia has taken on many more variants and flavors. From a savory herb-infused version to a sweet version topped with fresh fruits, Focaccia has become a popular snack, entrée, and side dish all over the world.
Though it may have humble roots, Focaccia has come a long way since its ancient beginnings. Nowadays, it can be found in bakeries and restaurants around the globe, ensuring that the legacy of this age-old dish lives on.
Types of Focaccia
In the world of Italian cuisine, few dishes are as versatile and diverse as focaccia. Its simple composition of bread dough, olive oil, herbs and spices make it the perfect canvas for the many unique variations that have been created across the regions of Italy over centuries. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack or a more substantial side dish, there’s a focaccia option available to suit everyone’s taste.
The classic focaccia, which originates in Genoa, is baked with just olives, herbs and spices; however, if you’d like something with a bit more oomph, why not try the focaccia al formaggio? This variation is made by topping the bread dough with cheese before baking, creating a delicious gooey snack that’s sure to please! Or for a more indulgent treat, why not opt for the focaccia di Recco, which is composed of thin layers of dough overlapped with a melted cheese filling. Not only is this dish absolutely delicious, but it’s also a great way to get your cheese fix in a nutritious way.
For a heartier meal, modern focaccia can be topped with ingredients such as salami, onions, tomatoes and roasted vegetables which adds texture and flavor to the light, airy bread. Focaccia is often served as a side dish to accompany other Italian main courses such as pizza or pasta, but it can easily be enjoyed alone as a snack, especially during aperitivo hour!
Another popular variation of focaccia is the schiacciata alla fiorentina, which is a Tuscan flatbread made with tomatoes, herbs, olives and garlic. This focaccia is particularly unique as it’s typically prepared with a fluffy texture, making it ideal for scooping up sauces and adding an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
No matter which variation you choose, focaccia is always a welcome addition to any Italian feast. Its versatility and simplicity mean that you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients depending on your mood, meaning that it can be enjoyed in an infinite number of ways. So the next time you’re in the mood for something tasty and comforting, why not give focaccia a try?