The strawberries are back in full force again, and this time, instead of making jam or a dessert, I made focaccia bread. I had spotted this recipe from Saveur Magazine a while back and knew I wanted to try it. And I’m sure glad I did. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and it goes perfectly with a simple summer salad.
Here is my adapted version.
Easy Bread Recipes – Strawberry Focaccia with Balsamic Onions
Ingredients
{1} 1¼ oz package dry yeast {or 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast}
1 cup warm water {100–110 degrees}
1 teaspoon honey
2½ cups flour
1 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ cup plus 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium red onion, sliced thin
2½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/4 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced into 1/8” pieces
8 fresh basil leaves, sliced
fresh cracked salt and pepper
Instructions
- Combine the yeast, water and honey in a bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes, or until tiny bubbles form on the top.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt and set aside.
- Once bubbles have formed on the top of the yeast mixtures, add in ¼ cup of olive oil and stir.
- Make a well in the center of the bowl with the flour mixture and pour the yeast mixture into the center of it.
- Stir well to combine, turn dough onto a flour surface and knead the dough until it is nice and soft {about 5 minutes}.
- Form a dough ball, place it in an oiled bowl, and cover with a kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rest or about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Brush a 9×13–inch baking sheet/pan with olive oil and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, place it in the center of the baking sheet/pan and slowly work the dough to the edges of the pan.
- Make little pockets with your finger tips, and brush with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Set the pan of dough aside and let it rise for 30 minutes until it puffs up a bit.
- While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet and cook the onions over medium heat until caramelized {about 10 -12 minutes}.
- Slowly stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook just until the liquid is evaporated.
- Preheat the over to 400 degrees. Press strawberry slices into the dough and top with caramelized onions and sliced basil. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top sprinkle a bit of freshly ground salt and pepper over the top.
- Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven until lightly browned {about 18 -20 minutes}.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly and cut into 12 pieces {I used a pizza cutter for this}.
Notes
Serve with pasta or a summer salad.
Looking for more bread recipes? Check out The Bread Bible: 300 Favorite Recipes
Julie says
Such pretty looking focaccia! Really interesting combination of toppings. Sounds tasty.