What is focaccia, you might ask? It’s a flat Italian bread that resembles a thick pizza crust and is usually flavored with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt. Focaccia is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed as a savory appetizer, sandwich bread, or simply served with a good quality olive oil for dipping.
Now, let’s talk about how to make pumpkin focaccia. First, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of warm water
– 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon of sea salt
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– A pinch of black pepper
Start by mixing the warm water, yeast, and honey in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and active. Then, add the flour, pumpkin puree, and salt to the bowl and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Next, place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round or rectangular flatbread.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Drizzle plenty of olive oil over the top of the bread, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, sprinkle the rosemary, garlic, and black pepper on top. Use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. This will help to give your focaccia that classic chewy texture.
Bake the pumpkin focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Let the bread cool down for a few minutes before cutting it into slices and serving.
Pumpkin focaccia is a great accompaniment to soups, stews, and roasted meats. It’s also a delicious and unique sandwich bread, especially when paired with roasted turkey, caramelized onions, and a spread of cranberry sauce. Adding pumpkin to your focaccia is a great way to inject some seasonal flavors into your baking, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
In conclusion, pumpkin focaccia is a classic Italian bread with a seasonal twist. By infusing this flatbread with the subtle sweetness and earthy flavors of pumpkin, you can take your baking game to the next level. This recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed in many different ways. So, why not give it a try today and see for yourself how delicious pumpkin focaccia can be?