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Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe

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4.2 from 66 reviews

Homemade Focaccia Barese is a traditional Italian flatbread from Bari, featuring a soft and elastic dough enriched with mashed potato and topped with fresh tomatoes, olives, and oregano. This recipe yields a golden, flavorful focaccia that’s perfect for sharing.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup semolina flour
  • 1½ cups wheat flour
  • 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Topping

  • 300 grams fresh tomatoes
  • Olives, as desired
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, wheat flour, active dry yeast, salt, mashed potato, olive oil, and water. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a covered bowl and let it rise for approximately 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Shape the focaccia: Transfer the risen dough to a generously oiled round baking pan. Stretch it gently using oiled hands to fill the pan evenly.
  5. Add the topping: Evenly distribute fresh tomatoes, olives, dried oregano, salt, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the stretched dough.
  6. Second rise: Allow the topped focaccia to rest and rise in the pan for about 30 minutes.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the bread is cooked through.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Using mashed potato in the dough creates a moist and soft texture inside the focaccia.
  • You can substitute olives with other toppings like capers or rosemary based on preference.
  • Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even baking.
  • For a more intense flavor, drizzle some extra olive oil right before serving.
  • This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian