Brazilian-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the Italian focaccia is traditionally seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, the Brazilian-style focaccia incorporates tropical ingredients and spices to give it a unique twist. The use of coconut milk, palm oil, and Brazilian spices adds a rich and exotic flavor profile to the bread, making it a true representation of Brazilian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Focaccia, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) coconut milk 250ml (1 cup) coconut milk
• 60ml (¼ cup) palm oil 60ml (¼ cup) palm oil
• 1 ripe banana, mashed 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• Toppings: sliced pineapple, shredded coconut, and palm hearts Toppings: sliced pineapple, shredded coconut, and palm hearts

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk, palm oil, mashed banana, and spices.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press the dough evenly into the pan.
8. 8.
   Arrange the sliced pineapple, shredded coconut, and palm hearts on top of the dough.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Palm oil — Look for sustainably sourced palm oil to support environmentally friendly practices.
• Banana — Use a ripe banana for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Pineapple — Fresh pineapple works best, but you can also use canned pineapple slices.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle some toasted coconut on top of the focaccia before baking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as mango slices, passion fruit pulp, or guava paste.
• Serve the Brazilian-style focaccia warm with a side of spicy pimenta sauce for an added kick.
• Leftovers can be toasted and enjoyed the next day for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack.
• If you prefer a sweeter version, drizzle some condensed milk over the warm focaccia before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Brazilian-style focaccia as an appetizer or alongside a traditional Brazilian feijoada for a complete meal. It pairs well with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail.

Presentation advice

To enhance the tropical theme, garnish the focaccia with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a vibrant Brazilian-inspired platter.