Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping

Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 25

Introduction

Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping is a delicious and savory bread recipe that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside a meal. The combination of flavors in this focaccia is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread that is typically flavored with herbs and olive oil. The addition of sage, pepper, onion, and pancetta to this recipe gives it a unique and flavorful twist that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Dough

1 envelope active dry yeast
2 cups warm water
4.75 cups bread flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped sage
2 tsp salt

Topping

2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 oz (57 g) sliced pancetta or bacon, chopped
1 tsp kosher or sea salt

How to prepare

In a bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water.
Let it stand until foamy.
Stir to dissolve the yeast.
To the yeast mixture, add 2.5 cups of flour, oil, sage, and salt. Stir until smooth.
Stir in the remaining flour until the dough begins to pull away from the bowl.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume.
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil.
Add onion, pepper, and pancetta. Cook until the veggies are tender.
Set aside.
Heat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
Coat a jelly roll pan with cooking spray.
Scrape the dough into the pan and spread it to fill the pan.
Brush the dough with the remaining oil.
Dip your fingers into water, then into the dough to make indentations.
Spread the top with the onion mixture.
Sprinkle with salt.
Place the dough in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
Bake for 35 minutes or until the crust is browned.
Remove from the pan and let it cool slightly.
Cut into 25 pieces.
Serve on plates warm or at room temperature with ranch dressing, hot sauce, and Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add different herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the pancetta with prosciutto or salami for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the yeast mixture stand until it is foamy before adding the flour. This will ensure that the yeast is activated and the dough rises properly.

- When spreading the dough in the pan, be sure to coat your fingers with water to prevent sticking.

- To make the indentations in the dough, dip your fingers in water to prevent sticking.

- Be sure to reduce the oven temperature after placing the dough in the oven to ensure that it bakes evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping warm or at room temperature with ranch dressing, hot sauce, and Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to let the dough rise until it doubles in volume before baking.

- Make indentations in the dough before adding the toppings to ensure even distribution.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use dried sage instead of fresh sage in this recipe.

- Substitute the pancetta with bacon or ham if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping on a platter with fresh herbs and olives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This focaccia pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and pork products.

Summary

Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping is a delicious and flavorful bread recipe that is relatively low in calories and a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion and Pancetta Topping is a delicious and savory bread recipe that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside a meal. With its flavorful toppings and soft, fluffy dough, this focaccia is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion, and Pancetta Topping. It was a warm summer day, with a gentle breeze blowing through the kitchen window, carrying with it the fragrant scent of herbs and spices. I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who was known far and wide for her culinary skills.

Maria had just returned from a trip to Italy, where she had learned the art of making traditional Italian bread. She excitedly pulled out a worn, stained piece of paper from her recipe book and handed it to me, saying, "You must try this recipe, my dear. It is a family favorite and always a hit at gatherings."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions, noting the careful measurements and precise steps required to create the perfect focaccia. The recipe called for a mix of flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, and sugar, along with fresh sage leaves for a burst of flavor. The topping included thinly sliced pancetta, sautéed onions, and colorful bell peppers, adding a savory and slightly sweet touch to the bread.

As I read through the recipe, memories flooded back to me of my own grandmother teaching me how to bake bread when I was just a young girl. She would patiently show me how to knead the dough, explaining the importance of letting it rise and bake to golden perfection. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through each step, urging me to add a bit more flour or olive oil as needed.

With Maria's encouragement, I set to work on making the focaccia, carefully measuring out each ingredient and following the instructions to the letter. I kneaded the dough with love and care, feeling the warmth of the oven as it began to rise and fill the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. The scent of sage and pancetta mingled in the air, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement.

As the focaccia baked to a golden brown hue, I prepared the topping, sautéing the pancetta until crispy and caramelized, then adding the onions and peppers for a burst of color and flavor. I sprinkled the mixture over the freshly baked bread, watching as the juices seeped into the nooks and crannies, creating a mouthwatering dish that was sure to impress.

When the focaccia was finally ready, I proudly presented it to my family and friends, who eagerly dug in and savored each bite. The crispy crust gave way to a soft, pillowy interior, infused with the earthy aroma of sage and the savory richness of pancetta. The sweet onions and peppers added a pop of color and sweetness, balancing out the flavors perfectly.

As we sat around the table, enjoying the fruits of my labor, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary treasures passed down through generations. The recipe for Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion, and Pancetta Topping was more than just a meal – it was a connection to my past, a tribute to the love and dedication of those who came before me.

And so, as I continue to share this recipe with others, passing on the tradition of homemade bread and the joy of cooking from the heart, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and moments that will be cherished for years to come. In every bite of Sage Focaccia with Pepper, Onion, and Pancetta Topping, I taste the love and history of a thousand meals shared with loved ones, and I am grateful for the gift of good food and good company.