Artichoke, Tomato and Asiago Focaccia

🍅🧀🍞 Artichoke, Tomato, and Asiago Focaccia 🍅🧀🍞

What is it?
Artichoke, Tomato, and Asiago Focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that’s adorned with a tantalizing combination of artichokes, tomatoes, and Asiago cheese. This dish is a beautiful fusion of flavors, combining the earthiness of artichokes, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the richness of Asiago cheese, all baked into a soft, pillowy focaccia bread.

History:
Focaccia, an Italian flatbread, has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. It is believed to be one of the precursors to pizza. The addition of toppings like artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese likely originated from the creativity of Italian cooks over the centuries. Focaccia itself has been enjoyed in various forms for thousands of years, making it a beloved part of Italian cuisine.

Components:

• Focaccia Bread: The base of this dish, typically made from flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for holding the toppings.
• Artichokes: These can be fresh or marinated artichoke hearts, sliced or quartered, depending on your preference.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced or cherry tomatoes cut in half, add a juicy, tangy contrast.
• Asiago Cheese: Grated Asiago cheese, known for its nutty and savory flavor, is generously sprinkled on top.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of yeast, 1 1/2 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl.
   • Knead the dough until it’s smooth, then let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.

2. Shape the Focaccia:

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
   • Roll out the dough into a rectangle and place it on a greased baking sheet.
   • Brush the dough with olive oil and let it rest for 15 minutes.

3. Add Toppings:

   • Arrange the artichoke hearts and tomato slices on top of the dough.
   • Sprinkle generous amounts of grated Asiago cheese over the toppings.
   • Drizzle more olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper.

4. Baking:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Once it’s done, let it cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve while still warm.

Time Needed:
The time required to make Artichoke, Tomato, and Asiago Focaccia can vary, but you can expect it to take around 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish. This includes dough preparation, rising time, assembly, and baking. It’s a delicious treat that’s well worth the effort!

Enjoy your homemade Artichoke, Tomato, and Asiago Focaccia! 🍽️😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Artichoke, Tomato, and Asiago Focaccia:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 250-300
• Total Fat: 10-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 10-20 milligrams
• Sodium: 400-600 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
• Sugars: 1-2 grams
• Protein: 8-10 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Artichoke, Tomato, and Asiago Focaccia is moderately calorie-dense. Enjoy it in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. Healthy Fats: Olive oil, used in the dough and as a drizzle, contains healthy monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health.

3. Protein Source: This dish contains a decent amount of protein, primarily from the cheese and the flour used in the dough.

4. Fiber Content: The dietary fiber content comes from the flour in the dough and the toppings like artichokes and tomatoes. Fiber is good for digestion and can help keep you feeling full.

5. Sodium: The sodium content may be moderate to high due to the use of cheese and any added salt. If you have dietary restrictions, consider using lower-sodium ingredients.

6. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Tomatoes and artichokes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They provide vitamins like C, K, and various minerals.

7. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as the calorie and fat content can add up quickly. A small slice can be quite satisfying.

8. Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Preparing this dish at home allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier option compared to some store-bought versions.

Remember that the exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes you use, so it’s a good idea to calculate the nutrition facts for your recipe if you have specific dietary concerns. Enjoy your focaccia as part of a balanced diet! 🥖🍅🧀