Vegetarian Focaccia
Vegetarian Focaccia Recipe - Spinach, Mushrooms, Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella, Parsley, Egg White
Introduction
Vegetarian Focaccia is a delicious and savory bread that is filled with nutritious ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, and cheese. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.
History
Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread that is typically topped with olive oil, herbs, and sometimes cheese. This vegetarian version adds a twist by incorporating spinach and mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen bread or 1 recipe for focaccia dough
- 0.5 lb (227 g) cooked and drained spinach
- 0.5 lb (227 g) sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
- 4 oz (113 g) low-fat mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1 egg white or egg substitute
How to prepare
- Drain the ricotta cheese.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring 12x9 inches.
- Spread the spinach, ricotta cheese, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese onto the dough.
- Roll up the dough.
- Seal the edges with egg white or egg substitute.
- Shape the dough into a circle and seal the ends with egg white or egg substitute.
- Brush the top with egg.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 40 minutes.
Variations
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese like feta or goat cheese for a different taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well to prevent the focaccia from becoming too soggy.
- Rolling the dough into a rectangle before adding the filling helps to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Brushing the top of the focaccia with egg before baking gives it a beautiful golden color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vegetarian Focaccia warm with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Rolling the dough and filling it before shaping it into a circle helps to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Baking the focaccia at a lower temperature for a longer time ensures that the filling cooks through without burning the crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, just make sure to cook it down before adding it to the dough.
- Substitute the mushrooms with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the Vegetarian Focaccia up to a day in advance and bake it just before serving for a fresh and warm dish.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the Vegetarian Focaccia into wedges and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Vegetarian Focaccia with a glass of white wine or a fruity iced tea for a refreshing combination.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Vegetarian Focaccia contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Vegetarian Focaccia contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Vegetarian Focaccia contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Vegetarian Focaccia contains approximately 10 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A from the spinach and mushrooms.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cheese and ricotta) and eggs.
Summary
Vegetarian Focaccia is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Vegetarian Focaccia is a flavorful and nutritious bread that is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. With a delicious filling of spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit with vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Vegetarian Focaccia. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.
That day, as we sat in her sunlit kitchen sipping on espresso, Maria suddenly exclaimed, "I have the perfect recipe to share with you today!" She then proceeded to pull out a worn and stained recipe card from a collection of recipes that she kept in a small wooden box.
As she read the ingredients and instructions out loud, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. The recipe called for a simple yet flavorful combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil on top of a soft and chewy focaccia base.
Maria explained that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me stories of how her grandmother used to bake this focaccia for family gatherings and special occasions, and how it was always a hit with everyone who tried it.
I was intrigued by the history and tradition behind this recipe, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria kindly offered to teach me, and we spent the rest of the day kneading dough, slicing tomatoes, and layering the ingredients on top of the focaccia base.
As the focaccia baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of fresh herbs and baked bread. I couldn't wait to taste the final product, and when we finally pulled it out of the oven and sliced it into squares, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.
The Vegetarian Focaccia was a perfect blend of flavors and textures – the soft and chewy bread, the juicy cherry tomatoes, the creamy mozzarella, and the aromatic basil all came together to create a truly unforgettable dish. I knew that I would be making this recipe for years to come.
Since that day in Maria's kitchen, I have shared the recipe for Vegetarian Focaccia with friends and family, and it has become a staple at our gatherings and celebrations. I love the way that this recipe connects me to the past and to the traditions of my ancestors, and I am grateful to Maria for passing it down to me.
As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of Vegetarian Focaccia for dinner tonight, I can't help but think of Maria and her grandmother and the bond that we share through this simple yet delicious recipe. Cooking has a way of bringing people together, and I am grateful for the memories and traditions that it has brought into my life.
I hope that this recipe will bring as much joy and connection to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy cooking!
Categories
| Egg Substitute Recipes | Egg White Recipes | Flatbread Recipes | Italian Recipes | Italian Snacks | Low-calorie Recipes | Mozzarella Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Ready-made Dough Recipes | Ricotta Cheese Recipes | Spinach Recipes |