Focaccia rustica (country focaccia w/ red pep
Yield: 2 Focacce MMMM
Ingredients:
- 2 md Garlic cloves crushed
- 2 tb Olive oil
- 2 1/2 ts Dried yeast
- 1 1/3 c Warm water
- 3 3/4 c Unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 ts Salt
- 20 Sage leaves roughly chopped MMMMM--------------------------TOPPING-------------------------------
- 3 Red or yellow bell peppers
- 3 md Red onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 c Olive oil
- 4 md Ripe tomatoes seeded & -- squeezed dry Basil leaves
- 1 ts Salt
Instructions:
Warm the garlic cloves in the olive oil over low heat until the garlic begins to brown. Discard the garlic & let the oil cool. Meanwhile whisk the yeast into the water & let proof for 10 minutes. Add the cooled olive oil. Stir in the salt flour & herbs & mix well. Knead by hand for 6 to 8 minutes. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl cover & let rise until doubled. Divide the dough in half & set each piece on an oiled 10 1/2" X 15 1/2" baking sheet Stretch the dough to cover as much of the sheet as possible. Cover & let it relax for 15 minutes. Dimple & stretch the dough some more. Let rise until it is puffy about 50 minutes. While it is risng roast peel & slice the peppers into thin strips. Saute the onions in the 1/4 c olive oil over very low heat for 20 to 25 minutes until they are soft & limp. Preheat the oven to 400F. Lightly dip your fingers into the remaining olive oil & dimple the tops of the dough. Divide the vegetables evenly in half & distribute them over the focacce. Sprinkle with badil & salt Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the dough is crispy on the edges. Cool briefly & then remove from the sheets & let cool on racks. Serve at room temperature.
