Balsamic Onion and Potato-Topped Focaccia
This savory focaccia topped with balsamic caramelized onions, béchamel, and starchy potatoes makes a delicious and irresistible dish.
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