Focaccia Barese Recipe

Imagine pulling a warm, golden Focaccia Barese straight from your oven, its irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. This flatbread isn’t just any bread; it’s a delightful blend of rich flavors and a unique texture that will impress your family and friends.

With its vibrant toppings of tomatoes, olives, and oregano, this recipe invites you to create a slice of Apulia right in your home. Ready to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish?

Recipe

Focaccia Barese is more than just a bread; it’s a delightful culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This classic Italian bread from the Bari region is renowned for its soft, fluffy interior and crispy bottom. The addition of mashed potatoes in the dough enhances its flavor and texture, making it a unique and delicious treat. To get started, you’ll combine semola rimacinata and “00” flour with yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar. The dough, enriched with mashed potatoes and water, is kneaded until it’s smooth and pliable. After a resting period that allows the flavors to develop, the dough is shaped and adorned with ripe tomatoes, briny olives, oregano, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Baked at high heat, this focaccia emerges with a golden crust and irresistible aroma, thanks to the high olive oil content that makes it both rich and crunchy.

Ingredients:

• Semola rimacinata
• “00” flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Sugar
• Mashed potato
• Room temperature water
• Tomatoes
• Olives
• Oregano
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix semola rimacinata, “00” flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the mashed potato and gradually mix in the room temperature water. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the surface with flour.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm area for 2-4 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Dough: Once risen, gently deflate the dough and transfer it to a well-oiled baking pan. Use your fingers to spread the dough evenly, pressing it into the corners of the pan.
5. Add Toppings: Top the dough with sliced tomatoes and pitted olives. Sprinkle with oregano and drizzle generously with olive oil.
6. Bake the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to high heat (about 230°C/450°F). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia has a golden crust and a crunchy bottom.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, use high-quality olive oil and fresh, ripe tomatoes. If possible, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for an even more developed flavor. When kneading the dough, resist the urge to add too much extra flour, as this can make the focaccia dense. Finally, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve that perfect crispiness on the bottom.

Enjoy your homemade Focaccia Barese with a side of extra virgin olive oil for dipping!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for Focaccia Barese?

Absolutely, you can use gluten-free flour for focaccia!

Just remember, gluten-free alternatives can change the texture—some may turn out crumbly, while others might feel doughy. To achieve a closer consistency, try a blend that includes xanthan gum.

Don’t forget to tweak the liquid ratio since gluten-free flours absorb more moisture.

It’s a fun challenge, and you’ll love experimenting with flavors and textures in your baking adventure! Enjoy the process!

How Do I Store Leftover Focaccia Barese?

You’ve made a delicious focaccia, and now you’re wondering how to store those tasty leftovers?

Don’t fret! Use these storing tips: keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-3 days.

For longer storage, explore freezing options. Just cut it into squares, flash-freeze them, then wrap in plastic and place in freezer bags.

With a little care, your focaccia will stay fresh, ready to be enjoyed anytime!

What Can I Serve With Focaccia Barese?

You’ll love serving focaccia barese with various toppings and dipping sauces!

Try pairing it with thinly sliced meats like salami or prosciutto for a delightful appetizer. You can also spread creamy dips, like basil pesto or roasted red pepper hummus, to enhance its flavor.

For a fun twist, create mini sandwiches with your favorite fillings!

With its versatility, focaccia barese makes any gathering a delicious experience. Immerse yourself and enjoy the tasty combinations!

Is Focaccia Barese Suitable for Vegans?

Absolutely, Focaccia Barese is perfect for vegans!

You’ll find that the Focaccia ingredients are plant-based, including flour, yeast, water, and olive oil. No animal products are involved!

Feel free to add flavorful vegan substitutes like olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs to enhance your delightful bread.

It’s easy to whip up this delicious, fluffy focaccia that everyone will love, regardless of their diet.

How Long Does Focaccia Barese Stay Fresh?

Oh, the existential crisis of leftover focaccia—how long does it stay fresh?

If you store it at room temperature, expect about 1 to 2 days of focaccia freshness.

For a longer focaccia shelf life, toss it in the fridge where it can last a week!

Want it for months? Freeze that deliciousness for up to 3 months.

With these tips, you’ll be savoring every bite of your homemade focaccia for days!

Conclusion

Now that you’ve made your own Focaccia Barese, let the aroma fill your kitchen with Italian warmth. Imagine biting into the golden crust, with every topping bursting with flavor.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience worth sharing. Gather your loved ones, enjoy each delicious slice, and revel in this culinary creation.