Stuffed Focaccia With Mozzarella And Pistachio Pesto
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the white balsamic vinegar and golden raisins. Heat over medium until it simmers, cooking for about 3 to 5 minutes until the raisins are plump and soft. Remove from heat and let cool in the liquid. Once cooled, drain the raisins and set aside.

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained raisins with the chopped pistachios, garlic paste, parsley, red chile flakes, and olive oil. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, then mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

  3. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with all but a tablespoon of the warm water until just combined. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 20 minutes.

  4. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the remaining warm water and let it dissolve. After the resting period, sprinkle fine salt over the surface of the dough. Stir the yeast mixture and pour it over the dough.

  5. Wet your hand lightly and reach under the dough, pulling about a fourth of it over the top. Repeat this process until the center of the dough is enclosed. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch off large chunks of dough, wetting your hand as needed to prevent sticking. Continue pinching and folding the dough until the yeast and salt are fully incorporated.

  6. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about an hour. After resting, fold the dough once to develop the gluten. Wet your hand, pull a quarter of the dough up until you feel resistance, and fold it over the top. Rotate the bowl and repeat this folding process four to five times until the dough forms a tight ball.

  7. Invert the dough ball into a clean, lightly greased bowl with the seams facing down and the top smooth. Cover and let it rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 5 to 6 hours.

  8. Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Shape each half into a ball and place them on a greased plate. Lightly oil the tops, cover, and let them rest for about an hour. Alternatively, you can cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

  9. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet and set it aside.

  10. Take one dough ball and place it on a lightly floured surface. Press it into a rectangular shape, then stretch it into a freeform rectangle about 9 inches by 13 inches, being careful not to tear the dough. Transfer this sheet of dough to the prepared baking pan.

  11. Spread the pistachio parsley pesto evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top of the pesto. Brush the empty edge with the egg wash.

  12. Stretch the second dough ball into a matching rectangular shape and carefully place it over the stuffed focaccia layer. Gently press down on the top layer to smooth it out and eliminate any air pockets. Align the edges and press them together to seal.

  13. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with flaky salt. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

  14. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on top. Let it cool slightly before cutting into strips for serving. Optionally, serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

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Course🍤Appetizer

Diets🥕Vegetarian...

Category🍞Bread

Cuisine🇮🇹Italian

Occasions🎊Party🍿Snack

Season🔁Year-round

DifficultyMedium ⏰ 2h

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