Potato Focaccia: A Delicious and Soft Bread Recipe for Every Occasion
Potato Focaccia is a savory bread recipe that combines the tender, soft texture of potatoes with the airy, slightly crispy edges of a well-baked focaccia. This comforting recipe is perfect for any meal, from a casual lunch to a special dinner. The ingredients are simple but the resulting bread is rich in flavor and texture, thanks to the use of potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of rosemary.
If you’re looking to try something new and delicious, Potato Focaccia might just be the perfect recipe for your next baking adventure. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a warm, golden loaf that will be a hit at your table!
Ingredients:
To make a batch of Potato Focaccia, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba Flour | 300g |
| Potatoes | 200g |
| Malt | 6g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Fine Salt | 9g |
| Dry Yeast (or Fresh Yeast) | 7g |
| Water | 145g |
| Additional Water | 10g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for topping) | 15g |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Fior di Sale (or Sea Salt) | to taste |
Note: If you prefer to use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast, substitute 21g of fresh yeast for the dry yeast. You can also replace the malt with an equal amount of honey for a subtle sweetness.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Begin by cooking the potatoes in a pressure cooker for about 15 minutes until they are tender. Once cooked, remove them from the pot and allow them to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sifted Manitoba flour, dry yeast, and malt. Add the salt around the edges of the flour to prevent it from directly touching the yeast. If you’re using fresh yeast, you can simply crumble it directly into the flour mixture.
Next, attach the leaf attachment (also known as the “K” hook) to the stand mixer and begin mixing the ingredients. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil into the bowl. Once the ingredients start coming together, switch to the dough hook and continue kneading the dough for about 5 minutes, allowing it to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
At this point, the dough may still be quite sticky, so use a dough scraper to help handle it. Shape the dough into an oval shape with your hands and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Let it rest for a few minutes, allowing it to relax slightly.
Step 4: Stretch and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has relaxed, lightly stretch it with your hands to form a round or oval shape, then transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch the dough to fill the pan, spreading it evenly across the entire surface.
Using your fingers, press lightly into the dough to create small indentations, which will help the focaccia bake evenly and develop its signature texture.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Prepare an emulsion by mixing the additional 10g of water with the remaining 15g of olive oil. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the dough, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Tear the rosemary sprig into small pieces and scatter them over the surface, adding a fragrant, herbal note to the focaccia.
Finish by sprinkling the dough with Fior di Sale (or coarse sea salt), ensuring that it’s distributed evenly across the bread.
Step 6: Final Rise
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the focaccia rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place. During this time, the dough will puff up and become light and airy.
Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for a conventional oven or 180°C (355°F) for a fan-assisted oven.
Once the dough has risen, place the focaccia in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it is golden brown and crispy on the edges. If using a fan oven, check the focaccia after 10 minutes to ensure it’s baking evenly. The bread is ready when the bottom is firm, and the top is golden brown. You can lift the focaccia slightly to check the bottom for doneness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make for a delicious combination that pairs wonderfully with any meal or can be served as a standalone snack.
Focaccia di Patate is perfect for family dinners, picnics, or as a snack with cheese and olives. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as cherry tomatoes or caramelized onions, to customize the recipe to your tastes. Enjoy baking this soft, savory focaccia, and impress your guests with this flavorful Italian classic!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/8 of the recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Sugars | 1g |
This Potato Focaccia is an excellent choice for a hearty and flavorful addition to any meal, giving a delightful twist to your typical bread recipes. With simple ingredients, this is an easy-to-make bread that will become a favorite in your kitchen!
