Bari-Style Focaccia Recipe

Originating from the southern Italian city of Bari, this focaccia is packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. Serve it warm with your favorite dips or use it as a base for pizza toppings.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of pitted black olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Use your fingers to press the dough evenly into the pan, creating indentations in the dough.
9. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle the onion, olives, rosemary, and coarse salt over the top.
10. Bake the focaccia for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the onions are caramelized.
11. Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Bari-style focaccia is perfect for sharing as an appetizer or as a side to a larger meal. Serve it warm with your favorite dips, such as hummus or baba ganoush, or use it as a base for pizza toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a truly delicious experience.

Buon Appetito!