Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs

Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs is a delicious and savory bread that is perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course. This recipe combines the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and garlic to create a flavorful and aromatic bread that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in ancient Rome and has since become a popular dish in Italian cuisine. The addition of Parmesan cheese and herbs to the classic focaccia recipe adds a unique twist to this timeless bread.

Ingredients

Starter
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup warm water
In a bowl, stir together all the starter ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 15 minutes, or until the yeast activates and begins producing bubbles.
Dough
1 cup semolina
5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
0.5 cup olive oil
2 cups water

How to prepare

1. Preheat the convection oven to 400°F (204°C) or the standard oven to 500°F. Grease two sheet pans measuring 12 x 17 inches.
2. In a mixer with a dough hook, combine the semolina, flour, herbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the starter and slowly drizzle in the olive oil and water.
3. Knead the mixture for 5 minutes, or until the dough forms a ball. The dough should be soft, but if it's not, add more water. If it's too wet, sprinkle in more flour. Divide the dough in half. If you're using only one sheet pan, freeze half of the dough.
4. Pat the dough out to a thickness of 0.5 inch onto the greased sheet pan. Set it aside to proof for 2 to 3 hours.
5. Using your fingers, make indentations in the dough. Set it aside to rest for an additional 30 minutes. You can leave the dough plain or sprinkle it with additional olive oil, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. The bread is done when the crust is golden. Allow it to cool before slicing.

Variations

Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough for a Mediterranean twist.
Top the focaccia with caramelized onions and balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Sprinkle the dough with sea salt and rosemary before baking for a classic herb-infused bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to activate the yeast in the starter by allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes before adding it to the dough.

- Knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball, adding more water or flour as needed to achieve the right consistency.

- Allow the dough to proof for at least 2 to 3 hours to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Customize your focaccia by adding your favorite herbs and seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. It pairs well with soups, salads, or as a side dish for pasta dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Use a convection oven for even baking and a crispy crust.

- Allow the dough to proof and rest to develop flavor and texture.

- Customize the toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried herbs instead of fresh if fresh herbs are not available.

- Substitute Parmesan cheese with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.

- Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for a slow rise and enhanced flavor.

- Freeze the dough for up to 3 months for future use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the focaccia on a wooden cutting board with a selection of cheeses and cured meats for a rustic presentation. - Cut the focaccia into squares or triangles for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio for a classic Italian meal.

- Serve the bread with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the bread in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, dairy (Parmesan cheese), and may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs is a flavorful and satisfying bread that is relatively low in calories and a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs is a delicious and versatile bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and aromatic herbs, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and impress your guests with this homemade Italian classic.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first discovered the wonders of making focaccia with Parmesan and herbs. I had always been drawn to the kitchen, watching my mother and grandmother create delicious meals with such ease and grace. I knew that I wanted to learn how to cook like them, to carry on the tradition of sharing love through food.

One summer afternoon, while rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, I stumbled upon a worn and stained card with the title "Focaccia with Parmesan and Herbs." Intrigued, I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, imagining the savory scent of warm bread baking in the oven. I knew that this recipe was something special, something that I needed to learn how to make.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled warmly, reminiscing about the time she had first learned how to make focaccia from her own mother. She told me that the key to a perfect focaccia was in the dough – it needed to be soft and elastic, with just the right amount of herbs and cheese to give it that distinct flavor. She promised to teach me how to make it, and we set a date to spend an entire day in the kitchen together.

The day of our cooking lesson arrived, and I eagerly watched as my grandmother measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a large bowl. She showed me how to knead the dough until it was smooth and silky, explaining that the secret was in the technique – gentle yet firm, with just the right amount of pressure. I tried my best to mimic her movements, feeling a sense of pride as the dough began to take shape under my hands.

Once the dough had risen, my grandmother showed me how to shape it into a round disk, pressing her fingers into the soft surface to create the signature dimples of focaccia. She then sprinkled on a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, and oregano – giving the bread a fragrant and savory aroma that made my mouth water.

As the focaccia baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing scent, my grandmother and I sat at the table, sipping on cups of hot tea and sharing stories of our family's past. She told me about her own grandmother, a woman with a passion for cooking and a talent for creating delicious meals out of simple ingredients. She spoke of the joy and comfort that food can bring, how it can connect us to our heritage and our loved ones in ways that words cannot.

When the timer finally beeped, signaling that the focaccia was ready, I eagerly pulled it out of the oven, admiring the golden crust and bubbly cheese that adorned its surface. My grandmother smiled proudly, her eyes twinkling with delight as she sliced the bread into thick wedges and passed me a piece.

I bit into the warm, soft bread, savoring the flavors of Parmesan and herbs that danced on my tongue. It was a moment of pure bliss, a taste of tradition and love that I would carry with me for the rest of my days. And as I looked at my grandmother, her face glowing with happiness, I knew that I had found not just a recipe, but a connection to my family's past and a legacy to pass on to future generations. The memory of that day, of learning how to make focaccia with Parmesan and herbs, will forever be etched in my heart as a special moment of love, laughter, and delicious food.