Focaccia alla Genovese is a traditional Italian flatbread that originated in the Liguria region of Italy. With its crispy crust, airy interior, and flavorful toppings, focaccia alla Genovese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. This beloved bread is the perfect canvas for a variety of ingredients, making it a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations. In this article, we will explore the history, variations, and techniques behind making the perfect focaccia alla Genovese, ensuring that you have all the knowledge and inspiration needed to create this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
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SOURDOUGH FOCACCIA ALLA GENOVESE
Classic Genovese focaccia made without commercial yeast. I adapted this recipe during the Covid-19 lockdown. Using a mother dough gives the taste an edge commercial yeast just can't achieve. I do the second rise overnight. This way it will be ready to bake for lunchtime.
Provided by Buckwheat Queen
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes Flat Bread Recipes
Time 5h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix 1/2 cup bread flour, 1/4 cup water, and sourdough discard together with a wooden spoon. Add a little flour to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add starter mixture and allow to rise in a warm area, without direct sunlight, until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- Attach dough hook and begin to mix the starter. Add remaining flour, 3 tablespoons oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix in enough of the remaining water until dough pulls from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball; you may not need the full 3/4 cup. Knead dough in the mixer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer dough to a work surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes. Score and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise in a draft-free place until doubled in volume, at least 2 hours, and up to overnight.
- Lightly oil a shallow 12x16-inch baking pan. Knead dough for 5 minutes. Spread into the pan using your hands. Whisk 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon water together. Sprinkle a little bit over the focaccia. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in height.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Push into the focaccia with your fingertips, leaving indentations about 1 1/2 inches apart. Evenly distribute olives and cherry tomatoes on top, pushing them into the dough. Sprinkle rosemary leaves and flaked salt on top. Sprinkle a little more of the oil-water mixture on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Drizzle olive oil on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.7 calories, Carbohydrate 34.4 g, Cholesterol 0.1 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 478.7 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
FOCACCIA ALLA GENOVESE
This is a traditional olive oil flat bread from Genoa Italy. It takes a lot of time to make, but the extra rising time gives the bread a fabulous flavor.
Provided by THYCOOK
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes White Bread Recipes
Time P14DT19h35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl, and sprinkle yeast over the surface. Let stand until yeast is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, and pour in the cold water, yeast mixture, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and biga. Stir together using a sturdy wooden spoon.
- When the dough comes together, turn out onto a floured surface, and knead vigorously for about 20 minutes. Take a few 1 to 2 minute breaks if you like. The dough will be somewhat sticky until it is fully kneaded. Form dough into a ball. Rub the inside of a clean bowl with oil, and place the dough in it. Turn to coat the ball with oil. Cover with a towel and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size. This will take about 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch down the dough by folding the edges into the center and turning it over so the top is once again smooth. Cover the bowl again, and let the dough rise a second time until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently flatten into an 8 inch square using the palms of your hands. Cover and let rise again.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place a baking stone in the oven while it preheats. Dust a bakers peel with cornmeal, and gently slide it under the dough square. Use your fingers to make a dimpled surface by pressing them about 3/4 of the way down into the dough. Mist with water.
- Sprinkle a little cornmeal over the surface of the baking stone. Slide the square off of the peel onto the baking stone. Mist some water into the hot oven, and quickly shut the door.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven to cool on a wire rack. Brush the surface with remaining olive oil while the foccacia is still hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.7 calories, Carbohydrate 63.4 g, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 294.5 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your focaccia. Use high-quality olive oil, flour, and fresh herbs.
- Proof the dough properly: Proofing the dough allows the yeast to develop and gives the focaccia its characteristic light and airy texture. Be sure to proof the dough in a warm place for the recommended amount of time.
- Don't overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, then knead the dough briefly until it is smooth and elastic.
- Press dimples into the dough: Before baking, press dimples into the dough with your fingers. This will help the focaccia to rise evenly and create a crispy crust.
- Bake the focaccia at a high temperature: Baking the focaccia at a high temperature will help to create a crispy crust and a light and airy interior.
Conclusion:
Focaccia alla Genovese is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own, with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or topped with your favorite toppings. It is a perfect bread for a casual meal or a special occasion. With a little practice, you can easily make focaccia alla Genovese at home. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make bread, give this recipe a try.
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