Focaccia with Cherry Tomatoes & Caramelized Onion Recipe
An Italian Delight, Perfect for a Side Dish or Appetizer
Focaccia is an Italian bread that has captured the hearts of many with its soft, pillowy texture and delicious toppings. This Focaccia with Cherry Tomatoes & Caramelized Onion is a wonderful variation that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the freshness of cherry tomatoes, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. The addition of rosemary, red chili flakes, and parmesan gives the bread an aromatic and savory touch, making it an ideal accompaniment for pasta dishes, soups, or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour) | 2-1/2 cups |
| Lukewarm Water | 1 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar (or honey) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/2 cup |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 |
| Cherry Tomatoes (cut in half) | 1 cup |
| Rosemary (dried or fresh) | 1 tablespoon |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Red Chili Flakes | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
To start, combine the active dry yeast, lukewarm water, and sugar (or honey) in a small bowl. Stir gently to dissolve. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing it to become frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work. Note that the water should be warm, but not hot, as this could kill the yeast.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour) and salt. Add the yeast mixture and extra virgin olive oil to the flour. Stir the ingredients until you form a wet, sticky dough. Using a little dry flour, knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment for kneading.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Grease a large bowl with some olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 200°C (450°F). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Place the dough in the prepared baking dish and flatten it out evenly using the palms of your hands until it reaches the edges of the dish. Make sure to poke some dents into the dough with your fingers to create the classic focaccia texture.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise Again
Cover the dough again and let it rest for about 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly.
Step 6: Caramelize the Onions
While the dough is resting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the onions turn light golden brown and caramelize. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Once the dough has puffed up, evenly distribute the caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes, rosemary, parmesan cheese, and red chili flakes over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil for extra flavor.
Step 8: Bake the Focaccia
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the toppings are cooked through. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-baking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into squares or strips and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This Focaccia with Cherry Tomatoes & Caramelized Onion is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of main courses. Serve it as a side dish with Penne Pasta Arrabiata for a satisfying weeknight dinner, or enjoy it as an appetizer with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, a side of salsa dip, or a rich gravy.
Pro Tip: For added flavor, you can sprinkle the focaccia with a bit of sea salt right before serving to give it a little extra crunch and seasoning.
Enjoy this delicious, aromatic focaccia as part of your next Italian-inspired meal!
