Pan-Fried Focaccia with Sausage, Zucchini, and Wild Fennel
Category: Savory Pies
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 175g |
| All-purpose flour | 350g |
| Fine salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Instant yeast for savory preparations | 7g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Sausage (preferably fresh, not pre-cooked) | 400g |
| Zucchini | 125g |
| Wild fennel (or fennel seeds) | to taste |
| Red wine | 30ml |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing) | to taste |
| Fine salt | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Begin by preparing the filling for the focaccia. Slice the sausage open, remove the casing, and chop the sausage into small pieces with a knife.
- Using a mandoline, thinly slice the zucchini lengthwise. Set aside.
- Prepare the fresh chili pepper by removing the seeds, then finely chop.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add the garlic, finely chopped chili pepper, and sausage to the pan.
- Brown the sausage and cook until it’s crispy and fully cooked through. As the sausage cooks, pour in the red wine and allow it to cook off.
- Towards the end of cooking, sprinkle in the crushed wild fennel seeds to infuse the filling with aromatic flavors. Once the filling is ready, set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the warm water. Stir until the mixture begins to come together.
- Sprinkle the instant yeast into the mixture and mix well until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
- Once the dough is ready, set it aside to rest for a few minutes while you prepare the pan.
Step 3: Roll out the dough
- Grease a 30cm (12-inch) skillet with a bit of olive oil and heat it slightly on low.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin, round disc that matches the size of your skillet (about 2-3mm thick).
- On one disc, evenly spread the sausage and zucchini mixture, then top with any additional seasonings you like, such as salt or crushed fennel seeds.
Step 4: Assemble the focaccia
- Carefully place the second disc of dough over the filled disc and press down gently to seal the edges.
- Use the tines of a fork to press the edges together, crimping the dough. If needed, trim off any excess dough using a serrated pastry cutter or knife.
- Brush the top of the focaccia with a little extra olive oil for added richness and crispness.
Step 5: Cook the focaccia
- Place the assembled focaccia into the preheated skillet. Cover with a lid or a piece of parchment paper to help retain moisture as it cooks.
- Allow the focaccia to cook on low to medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp.
- Once the bottom is golden, carefully flip the focaccia over. You can use the lid of the skillet to help with flipping, just like turning a large omelette.
- Cook the second side for another 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, transfer the focaccia from the skillet to a cutting board. Slice it into wedges or squares and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips & Variations
- Filling options: Feel free to swap the sausage for a vegetarian alternative or use different vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant for a unique flavor profile.
- Make it spicy: Add more chili pepper if you prefer a spicier focaccia, or even include a dash of chili flakes in the filling.
- Herbs: Besides wild fennel, you can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional fragrance.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
This pan-fried focaccia is a delightful, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of sausage, zucchini, and aromatic fennel. Its crispy exterior and tender interior make it the perfect dish for a cozy lunch or dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine. Whether you serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main course, it’s sure to impress!
