Teresa's Recipes
Focaccia Alla Messinese
Indulge in the flavors of Sicily with Focaccia Alla Messinese, a delightful thick flatbread that boasts a soft and airy texture. This traditional dish is adorned with juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet red onions, and fragrant dried oregano, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite meals or a delicious standalone snack. Originating from the coastal town of Messina, this focaccia captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, inviting you to savor its fresh ingredients and irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
- 500g Bread flour
- 350ml, lukewarm Water
- 15g Fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 10g Salt
- 60ml, plus more for greasing Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
- 2, thinly sliced Red onions
- 250g, halved Cherry tomatoes
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, fresh yeast, and sugar. Stir gently until the yeast is dissolved.
- Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) and lightly grease a baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil.
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out with your hands to fit the shape of the pan.
- Using your fingers, press dimples into the surface of the dough, creating small pockets. Drizzle the remaining olive oil generously over the top.
- Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and dried oregano across the surface of the dough, pressing them down slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and the edges are crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting it into squares and serving warm.
Tips
- For a variation, try adding olives or fresh herbs like rosemary to the topping for extra flavor.
- Serve with balsamic vinegar for dipping or as a side to soups and salads.