Balsamic Onion and Potato-Topped Focaccia on a rustic wooden board, featuring golden-brown focaccia topped with roasted potatoes, caramelized balsamic onions, and fresh rosemary. Drizzled with olive oil, set on a wooden table with a bowl of balsamic glaze and a glass of red wine in the softly blurred background.

Balsamic Onion and Potato-Topped Focaccia

This savory focaccia topped with balsamic caramelized onions, béchamel, and starchy potatoes makes a delicious and irresistible dish.
Portions:8
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time:1 hour
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Equipment

  • Large-size bowl, Medium-size bowl, Frying pan, Baking dish (9 × 13 inches), Mandolin (optional), Fork

Ingredients

For the focaccia:

  • 1 envelope ¼ ounce, or 7 g active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon evaporated cane juice or granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 120 ml water, heated to 100°F (38°C)
  • 1 cup 120 g whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons 16 g onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon 2 g dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
  • Olive oil for coating

For the potatoes:

  • 1 pound 455 g potatoes
  • Nonstick cooking spray

For the onions:

  • 2 tablespoons 30 ml extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large-size red onion sliced into rings
  • Pinch salt
  • ¼ cup 60 ml balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons 30 g minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons 30 ml extra-virgin olive oil

For the béchamel sauce:

  • [Refer to page 298 for recipe]

Instructions

To make the focaccia:

  • Mix together the yeast, cane juice, and warm water in a medium-size bowl.
  • Let proof for about 10 minutes; it should foam and bubble up.
  • If it doesn’t, start over again because your yeast might not be fresh.
  • In a large-size bowl, combine the flours, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the yeast mixture and begin to knead.
  • If the dough is too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, until you can incorporate all of the flour.
  • Knead for about 5 minutes, until you get a soft, elastic, uniform dough ball.
  • Lightly coat the ball with oil, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • To make the potatoes: Use your preferred type of potatoes, and slice them as thin as possible (using a mandolin or a sharp knife).
  • Rinse the sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent discoloration.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4) and prepare a glass 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33-cm) baking dish by lightly greasing or spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
  • To make the onions: In a large-size frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and salt and sauté until translucent and beginning to brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add the vinegar and continue to cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, tossing to coat.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Punch down the dough.
  • Press the dough into the baking dish, making sure you get it into the corners, and create dimples in the surface with your fingers.
  • Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the dough.
  • Spread the minced garlic over the dough, then drizzle with olive oil.
  • Layer the potatoes on top to cover completely, and spread the béchamel sauce all over the potatoes.
  • Top with the balsamic caramelized onions.
  • Bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the edges of the focaccia are beginning to brown.
  • Let cool before slicing and serving.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Serving Tip:
Serve this focaccia with a side salad or as part of a Mediterranean meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light soup.
Wine Advice:
A medium-bodied red wine, like a Pinot Noir or Sangiovese, complements the tangy balsamic onions and rich béchamel.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 50 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 15 g | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 6 g | Salt: 0.7 mg
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Recipe Category Main Dish
Country Italian
Season: Fall / Winter
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