Foccacia Finger Sandwiches

Foccacia Finger Sandwiches Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Foccacia finger sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a party appetizer. These sandwiches are filled with flavorful ingredients like roasted bell peppers, goat cheese, and fresh basil, all sandwiched between a round of soft and chewy focaccia bread.

History

Foccacia finger sandwiches are a modern twist on the classic Italian bread, focaccia. Focaccia is a flat oven-baked bread that is similar in style and texture to pizza dough. It is typically topped with olive oil, salt, and herbs, and can be used as a base for sandwiches or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

1 round (8 to 10 inches) focaccia bread or onion focaccia bread
1 cup packed, shredded romaine lettuce
1.5 tbsp chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp dried
2 red or yellow bell peppers (or one of each)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 small clove garlic, minced
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, crumbled

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler. Quarter the bell peppers lengthwise and discard the stems and seeds. Flatten them with the palm of your hand. Place them skin side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil them 3 to 4 inches from the heat until the skin is evenly blackened, which should take about 8 to 12 minutes. Wrap the peppers in the foil from the pan and let them stand for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Peel off and discard the skin from the peppers. Cut them into uniform pieces and arrange them in a shallow dish. Pour the dressing over the peppers. Cover and chill them for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese and basil, mixing well. Drain the peppers and add the marinade from the peppers to the cheese mixture, mixing well. Using a long serrated knife, split the bread in half horizontally. Spread the cheese mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Arrange the romaine lettuce and marinated peppers over the bottom half of the bread, then close the sandwich with the top half of the bread. Cut it into wedges to serve.

Variations

Add sliced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Swap the goat cheese for feta or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Use different herbs like parsley or oregano for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to broil the bell peppers until the skin is evenly blackened to ensure they are easy to peel.

- Let the peppers sit in the foil after broiling to steam, which will make them easier to peel.

- Be sure to chill the marinated peppers for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a serrated knife to easily split the focaccia bread in half horizontally.

- Customize the sandwich by adding your favorite ingredients like roasted vegetables, different types of cheese, or cured meats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the focaccia finger sandwiches with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the bell peppers gives them a smoky flavor and makes them easy to peel.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of bread you prefer if you can't find focaccia.

- Substitute the goat cheese with cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinated peppers and cheese mixture ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the focaccia finger sandwiches into small wedges for a bite-sized appetizer or leave them whole for a more substantial meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the focaccia finger sandwiches with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispness of the bread.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of focaccia finger sandwiches contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of focaccia finger sandwiches contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of focaccia finger sandwiches contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of focaccia finger sandwiches contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Focaccia finger sandwiches are a good source of vitamin C from the bell peppers and vitamin A from the romaine lettuce.

Alergens

Focaccia finger sandwiches contain gluten from the bread and dairy from the goat cheese.

Summary

Focaccia finger sandwiches are a balanced meal containing carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Focaccia finger sandwiches are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of roasted bell peppers, creamy goat cheese, and fresh basil, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a light lunch or serve them as a party appetizer for a crowd-pleasing dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a sunny afternoon and I had decided to visit my dear friend Lucia, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the heavenly aroma of freshly baked bread and herbs.

"What are you baking today, Lucia?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Oh, just a little something I learned from my grandmother," she replied with a smile. "Foccacia finger sandwiches. Would you like to learn how to make them?"

My eyes widened with delight as she began to explain the recipe to me. The dough was simple enough to make, just flour, yeast, water, and a pinch of salt. But it was the toppings that made all the difference – fresh rosemary, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.

As Lucia kneaded the dough and worked her magic in the kitchen, I listened intently, eager to absorb every detail. She told me about how her grandmother used to make these sandwiches for special occasions, like family gatherings and holidays. The tradition had been passed down through generations, each woman adding her own twist to the recipe.

After the dough had risen and been baked to golden perfection, Lucia showed me how to slice it into delicate finger-sized pieces. We then carefully spread a creamy ricotta cheese mixture on each slice, topping it with a slice of juicy tomato and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

As we sat down to enjoy our creations, I savored every bite of the warm, flavorful sandwich. The bread was soft and fluffy, with a hint of garlic and rosemary that lingered on my taste buds. It was the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making focaccia finger sandwiches in my own kitchen. I experimented with different toppings, adding roasted vegetables, sundried tomatoes, and even prosciutto. Each batch was a delicious success, and I soon found myself making these sandwiches for every gathering and event.

As I shared my newfound recipe with friends and family, I realized that food has a way of bringing people together. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a tribute to the women who had come before me. I thought about Lucia's grandmother and my own, and how they had passed down their love for cooking through simple recipes like this one.

As the years went by, I continued to make focaccia finger sandwiches for every occasion. They became a staple at family picnics, potlucks, and dinner parties. And each time I made them, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the women who had taught me how to cook with love and passion.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the memories of a lifetime of cooking and baking, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes that have been passed down to me. Each one is a treasure, a link to the past that will always be a part of me. And as I take a bite of a warm, cheesy focaccia finger sandwich, I am reminded of the simple joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love.