Puerto Rican Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is typically seasoned with herbs and olive oil, this Puerto Rican adaptation incorporates local ingredients such as plantains, adobo seasoning, and tropical fruits. The flavors are bolder and more vibrant, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico. 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 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) adobo seasoning 1 teaspoon (5g) adobo seasoning
• 1 ripe plantain, thinly sliced 1 ripe plantain, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) diced pineapple 1 cup (150g) diced pineapple
• 1 cup (150g) diced mango 1 cup (150g) diced mango
• 1 cup (150g) diced papaya 1 cup (150g) diced papaya
• 1 cup (150g) diced red bell pepper 1 cup (150g) diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup (150g) diced red onion 1 cup (150g) diced red onion
• 1 cup (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15g) butter, melted 1 tablespoon (15g) butter, melted
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 52g (Sugars: 15g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, olive oil, and adobo seasoning. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, 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. Press the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Arrange the sliced plantains, diced pineapple, mango, papaya, red bell pepper, and red onion on top of the dough.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the toppings.
9. 9.
   Drizzle the melted butter over the cheese.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
12. 12.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantain — Make sure to use ripe plantains for a sweeter flavor and softer texture. If you can't find plantains, you can substitute with ripe bananas.
• Adobo seasoning — You can find adobo seasoning in most grocery stores or make your own by combining garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Tropical fruits — Use fresh and ripe fruits for the best flavor. Feel free to substitute with other tropical fruits like guava or passion fruit.
• Mozzarella cheese — For a more traditional Puerto Rican twist, you can substitute mozzarella cheese with queso blanco or queso de bola.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the tropical flavors, you can sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top before baking.
• Serve the Puerto Rican Focaccia warm with a side of garlic aioli or mango salsa for dipping.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the toppings.
• Experiment with different combinations of tropical fruits and vegetables to create your own unique twist on this recipe.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Focaccia as an appetizer or as a main dish accompanied by a fresh green salad. It's perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or as a delightful snack any time of the day.

Presentation advice

For an eye-catching presentation, garnish the Puerto Rican Focaccia with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few edible flowers. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a colorful platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the tropical toppings.