New Mexican Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, our New Mexican adaptation incorporates the bold flavors of green chiles and traditional Southwestern spices. This gives the focaccia a unique kick and a distinct taste that reflects the vibrant cuisine of New Mexico. We alse have the original recipe for Focaccia, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (235ml) warm water 1 cup (235ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (30g) diced green chiles 1/4 cup (30g) diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) chili powder 1/2 teaspoon (1g) chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon (1g) dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) onion powder 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) onion powder

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
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 5 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 risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it down gently to form a rectangular shape.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the dough.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia turns golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green chiles — If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the green chiles before dicing them.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to ensure proper activation.
• Olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your focaccia.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the focaccia before baking.
• Serve the New Mexican Focaccia with a side of salsa or guacamole for a complete Southwestern experience.
• If you don't have green chiles, you can substitute them with jalapenos or poblanos for a different level of spiciness.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your focaccia. Cilantro, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika can add interesting twists.
• Leftover focaccia can be used to make delicious sandwiches or croutons for salads.

Serving advice

Serve the New Mexican Focaccia warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with soups, stews, or as a side to any Mexican-inspired meal. Cut it into squares or wedges for easy serving.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top of the focaccia before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness.