Taiwanese-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is typically seasoned with herbs and olive oil, this Taiwanese adaptation adds a unique twist by incorporating pineapple as a topping. The sweet and tangy pineapple complements the savory bread, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. 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
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil 60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
• 200g (1 cup) pineapple chunks 200g (1 cup) pineapple chunks
• 1 tsp black sesame seeds 1 tsp black sesame seeds
• 1 tsp white sesame seeds 1 tsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp sea salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a 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 it 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. Gently press and stretch the dough to form a rectangular shape.
7. 7.
   Arrange the pineapple chunks evenly on top of the dough.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the black and white sesame seeds, followed by sea salt, over the pineapple.
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.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Make sure to drain the pineapple chunks well to prevent excess moisture on the focaccia.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced pineapple flavor, lightly brush the dough with pineapple juice before adding the pineapple chunks.
• Experiment with other toppings such as shredded cheese or diced ham to create different flavor variations.
• Serve the Taiwanese-style Focaccia warm for the best taste and texture.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• This bread is perfect for picnics or as a side dish for Taiwanese-style barbecues.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-style Focaccia as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside Taiwanese main courses. It pairs well with soups, stews, or grilled meats.

Presentation advice

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