Spanish-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, this Spanish adaptation incorporates the bold flavors of Spanish cuisine. We will be adding ingredients like chorizo, Manchego cheese, and roasted red peppers to infuse the focaccia with a distinct Spanish taste. 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
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) chorizo, sliced 100g (3.5 oz) chorizo, sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) Manchego cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) Manchego cheese, grated
• 100g (3.5 oz) roasted red peppers, sliced 100g (3.5 oz) roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Sea salt, for sprinkling Sea salt, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 42g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 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 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 dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it down gently to form a rectangular shape.
7. 7.
   Arrange the chorizo, Manchego cheese, roasted red peppers, and fresh rosemary evenly over the dough.
8. 8.
   Drizzle some olive oil over the toppings and sprinkle with sea salt.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia turns golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — For a milder flavor, you can use sweet chorizo instead of spicy. Make sure to remove the casing before slicing.
• Manchego cheese — Opt for aged Manchego cheese for a stronger and nuttier taste. If unavailable, you can substitute it with another hard Spanish cheese like Idiazabal.
• Roasted red peppers — You can use store-bought roasted red peppers or roast them yourself by charring the peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin blackens. Then, place them in a sealed container to steam and remove the skin.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking the focaccia.
• Experiment with different toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or Spanish paprika to add more Spanish flavors.
• Serve the Spanish-style focaccia warm with a side of aioli or tomato dipping sauce for an extra Spanish touch.
• Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster before serving.
• This Spanish-style focaccia pairs perfectly with a glass of Spanish red wine or a refreshing sangria.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish-style focaccia as an appetizer, alongside a charcuterie board, or as a main course with a side salad. It's best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh rosemary leaves and a drizzle of olive oil over the sliced focaccia. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter to showcase the Spanish-inspired flavors.