Haute Cuisine Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is known for its simplicity and rustic appeal, this haute cuisine adaptation takes it to a whole new level. The dough is enriched with premium ingredients, such as truffle oil and artisanal cheeses, and topped with delicate herbs and edible flowers for an elegant touch. The result is a sophisticated and visually stunning bread that will impress even the most discerning palates. We alse have the original recipe for Focaccia, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water
• 50ml (3 ½ tbsp) extra virgin olive oil 50ml (3 ½ tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp truffle oil 1 tbsp truffle oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) mixed artisanal cheeses (such as Gruyere, Fontina, and Parmesan), grated 100g (3.5 oz) mixed artisanal cheeses (such as Gruyere, Fontina, and Parmesan), grated
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage), finely chopped Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage), finely chopped
• Edible flowers (such as pansies or nasturtiums), for garnish Edible flowers (such as pansies or nasturtiums), for garnish
• Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g / 6g (total / saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 42g / 2g (total / sugars)
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   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.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch and press the dough to form a rectangular shape.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the truffle oil over the dough and sprinkle the grated artisanal cheeses evenly.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs and sea salt flakes on top.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with edible flowers before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Truffle oil — Use a high-quality truffle oil to ensure a rich and aromatic flavor.
• Artisanal cheeses — Experiment with different combinations of cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.
• Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh herbs for the best flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs can be used as a substitute.
• Edible flowers — Make sure to use edible flowers that are safe for consumption and free from pesticides.
• Sea salt flakes — The flakes add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall taste. Use them sparingly for a balanced flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the baked focaccia before serving.
• Serve the focaccia warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings such as caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or thinly sliced prosciutto.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the focaccia with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing it from the oven.
• Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the haute cuisine focaccia as an appetizer or alongside a gourmet cheese platter. It pairs beautifully with a glass of fine wine.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, cut the focaccia into small squares or rectangles and arrange them on a wooden serving board. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and edible flowers for a visually stunning display.