Dante's House Made Focaccia Recipe
with fresh ricotta & salsa peperoncini
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Ingredients
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Focaccia Dough
Toppings
Fresh Ricotta
Salsa Peperoncini
Method
Focaccia Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Focaccia Baking
- 4
Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch it out to fit the sheet.
- 5
Add Toppings
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough, using your fingers to make dimples all over the surface. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves.
- 6
Bake the Focaccia
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Fresh Ricotta Preparation
- 7
Heat the Milk and Cream
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat until just below boiling.
- 8
Curdle the Milk
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until curds form.
- 9
Strain the Ricotta
Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined sieve and let it drain for 30 minutes. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Salsa Peperoncini Preparation
- 10
Roast the Peppers
Char the red bell peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until the skins are blackened. Place in a bowl, cover, and let steam for about 10 minutes.
- 11
Make the Salsa
Peel the skins off the peppers, remove seeds, and chop them. In a medium bowl, combine chopped peppers with dried red chilies, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt to taste.
