1teaspoonevaporated cane juice or granulated sugar
½cup120 ml water, heated to 100°F (38°C)
1cup120 g whole wheat pastry flour
1cup125 g all-purpose flour
2tablespoons16 g onion powder
1tablespoon2 g dried basil
½teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonfreshly cracked pepper
Olive oilfor coating
For the potatoes:
1pound455 g potatoes
Nonstick cooking spray
For the onions:
2tablespoons30 ml extra-virgin olive oil
1large-size red onionsliced into rings
Pinchsalt
¼cup60 ml balsamic vinegar
2tablespoons30 g minced garlic
2tablespoons30 ml extra-virgin olive oil
For the béchamel sauce:
[Refer to page 298 for recipe]
Instructies
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.