Il Cucinologo
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Focaccia with Cherry Tomatoes and Oregano

17/11/2023

Focaccia with cherry tomatoes and oregano is a delicious and colorful variant of the classic Genoese focaccia. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 500 g of 00 flour
  • 300 ml of lukewarm water
  • 10 g of fine salt
  • 10 g of sugar
  • 7 g of dry brewer’s yeast or 20 g of fresh brewer’s yeast
  • 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil, plus a little more for brushing
  • 200 g of cherry tomatoes (ciliegino or datterino type)
  • Oregano to taste
  • Coarse salt to taste

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water and let it rest for a few minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
  2. Add half of the flour and mix until you obtain a smooth batter.
  3. Incorporate the salt and extra virgin olive oil, then gradually add the remaining flour, continuing to knead until the dough is smooth and homogeneous. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
  4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
  5. Take a baking tray and grease the bottom and sides with a little olive oil.
  6. Spread the risen dough on the tray, trying to maintain an even thickness.
  7. Let the focaccia rest in the tray for another 20-30 minutes.
  8. Meanwhile, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Press them lightly with the palm of your hand to remove some of the liquid and seeds. This will help prevent the focaccia from becoming too moist during baking.
  9. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
  10. After resting, gently press the cherry tomatoes into the dough, cut side up, and sprinkle with oregano and a pinch of coarse salt.
  11. Brush the surface of the focaccia with a drizzle of olive oil.
  12. Bake and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy.
  13. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Trivia

Focaccia is a typical preparation of Italian cuisine, particularly from Liguria, and each region has its own variants. Focaccia with cherry tomatoes and oregano is a classic Mediterranean touch: the cherry tomatoes lightly scorched by the oven heat and the aroma of oregano evoke the flavors of summer and Southern Italy.