Saturday Night Delights: Focaccia Barese, Stuffed Focaccia and Focaccia with Onions

Saturday Night Delights: Focaccia Barese, Stuffed Focaccia, and Focaccia with Onions

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of fresh focaccia filling the kitchen on a Saturday night. Focaccia is a beloved Italian bread that’s as versatile as it is delicious, and it’s perfect for any weekend gathering, from family dinners to casual parties. Whether you prefer it topped with simple herbs, stuffed with savory fillings, or loaded with caramelized onions, these three versions of focaccia will elevate your Saturday night to new heights. Let’s dive into these irresistible focaccia recipes and make your weekend a culinary celebration.

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1. Focaccia Barese: A Taste of Puglia

Focaccia Barese is a traditional focaccia from Bari, a coastal city in the Puglia region of southern Italy. This focaccia is rich with flavor, thanks to the inclusion of cherry tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The crispy, golden crust is contrasted with the soft, airy interior, making it a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack.

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 7g dry yeast
• 300ml lukewarm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100g black olives, pitted and halved
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Sea salt flakes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the lukewarm water and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the focaccia: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch and flatten the dough to fit the pan. Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
3. Top and bake: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and black olives on top of the dough. Sprinkle with oregano, sea salt flakes, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown.
4. Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This focaccia Barese is perfect as a snack or served alongside an Italian salad or pasta dish.

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2. Stuffed Focaccia: A Savory Surprise in Every Bite

If you’re craving a more substantial meal or want to impress your guests with a stuffed creation, Stuffed Focaccia is the way to go. This version involves layering the focaccia dough with a variety of fillings—think mozzarella, prosciutto, and even spinach or mushrooms—before baking to perfection. It’s essentially a delicious, savory focaccia sandwich!

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 7g dry yeast
• 300ml lukewarm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 100g prosciutto (or ham)
• 1 cup spinach leaves (optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: As with the Focaccia Barese, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the water and olive oil, and knead until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Allow the dough to rise for 1-2 hours.
2. Layer the filling: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a floured surface to fit your baking dish. Place the dough into the greased pan, and layer it with mozzarella, prosciutto, and spinach (if using). Then, roll out the second portion of dough and place it on top of the filling. Press the edges to seal the dough, and create dimples on top.
3. Bake the focaccia: Drizzle olive oil over the top of the dough and sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.
4. Slice and serve: Allow the stuffed focaccia to cool slightly before slicing into squares. This savory treat is perfect for a cozy Saturday night or even a picnic.

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3. Focaccia with Onions: Sweet and Savory Perfection

Focaccia with onions is another classic variation, where the sweet, caramelized onions complement the rich, airy dough. This focaccia is simple but incredibly flavorful, and the addition of onions brings a natural sweetness that balances the salty, olive oil-rich dough.

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 7g dry yeast
• 300ml lukewarm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Sea salt flakes

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