Focaccia is an Italian bread renowned for its unique crunchy crust and soft interior. This version with mozzarella and pesto is an excellent option for a snack or a side dish. Adding shrimp and porcini mushrooms makes it an exceptionally aromatic and appetizing dish that will surely delight your taste buds and highlight the unique character of any gathering.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 7 g instant dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably bread flour, type 850)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Toppings:
- 200 g mozzarella ball, drained and shredded or torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Basil Pesto:
- 25 g basil leaves
- 1/3 small clove of garlic
- 25 g pine nuts (lightly toasted on a dry pan)
- 10 g grated Parmesan
- 70 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
- Dissolve the yeast in 325 ml of warm water, add the olive oil and honey.
- Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the salt, and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.
- Form the dough into a ball, coat it with olive oil, and place it in a bowl. Cover with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
Preparing the Pesto:
- In a mortar or blender, grind the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Add the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and blend until smooth.
Shaping and Baking the Focaccia:
- After the dough has risen, place it on a 30 x 40 cm sheet of parchment paper and flatten it with your hand to fit the dimensions. Transfer it to a similarly sized baking tray, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for another hour until it doubles in size.
Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 240°C. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil, make dimples about every 4 cm, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and pesto, and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the pesto starts to sizzle.
Summary
Mozzarella and pesto focaccia is an incredibly tasty and aromatic snack perfect for any occasion. With a simple recipe and easily accessible ingredients, you can prepare this delicious dish at home, impressing your guests with its original flavor and aroma. Try this recipe today and enjoy the unique taste of Italian cuisine!
