Viška Pogača - Croatian Stuffed Bread

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 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
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g (7 oz) smoked ham, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) smoked ham, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) aged cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) aged cheese, grated
• 2 onions, thinly sliced and caramelized 2 onions, thinly sliced and caramelized
• 100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. 3.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions.
6. 6.
   Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick, and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Layer half of the smoked ham, cheese, caramelized onions, and sun-dried tomatoes on top of the dough. Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
8. 8.
   Roll out the second portion of the dough and place it on top of the filling, sealing the edges together.
9. 9.
   Brush the top of the bread with olive oil and make a few small incisions to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked ham — Opt for a high-quality smoked ham for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute it with prosciutto or cooked bacon.
• Aged cheese — Use a flavorful aged cheese such as Parmesan or Gouda. If desired, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste.
• Sun-dried tomatoes — If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, make sure to drain them well before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the smoked ham with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the bread before baking for an extra crunch.
• Serve Viška Pogača as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like olives, capers, or fresh herbs.

Serving advice

Viška Pogača is best served warm or at room temperature. Slice it into generous portions and serve as a centerpiece for a family gathering or as a delightful addition to a picnic or potluck.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, on top of the sliced Viška Pogača. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a decorative platter to showcase its rustic charm.