What is focaccia?
Focacca is a beloved Italian bread. Its defining features include a flat, rectangular or round shape, as well as a unique surface covered in dimples.
To create focaccia, a dough similar to pizza dough is prepared using flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. However, the dough for focaccia is notably softer and moister, resulting in a tender and airy texture. Additional ingredients such as herbs (with rosemary being a popular choice), garlic, onions, olives, tomatoes, or cheese are often incorporated into the dough, with these flavourful components nestled within the surface dimples.
Baking in a hot oven gives focaccia its appealing golden-brown crust. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Focaccia stands deliciously on its own, serves as a delectable base for sandwiches, or accompanies soups, salads, and antipasti with equal delight.
The popularity of focaccia has led to diverse regional variations, each boasting unique ingredients and flavours. For example, there is focaccia Genovese from Genoa, typically topped with olive oil and salt, and focaccia al formaggio from Recco, where a soft cheese called stracchino is used as a filling.
Where did focaccia originate?
Focaccia originated in the Liguria region of Italy.
How to pronounce focaccia?
The pronunciation of "focaccia" in English is commonly rendered as "foh-KAH-chuh," with the emphasis placed on the second syllable. The initial "o" is pronounced as a long "o" sound, resembling "oh," while the final "a" is pronounced as a short "uh" sound.
How to store focaccia?
Ways to properly store focaccia:
- Before storing, ensure the focaccia has cooled completely at room temperature. This helps maintain its texture and prevents condensation.
- Wrap it tightly with kitchen foil or cling film to preserve its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
- Focaccia is typically best stored at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating it, as the cold environment can affect its flavour and texture negatively.
- For optimal taste and texture consume within a few days.
- If you prefer warm focaccia, you can briefly reheat it in the oven, which helps to restore some of its original freshness.
Food pairing with focaccia bread
Focaccia bread goes deliciously well with a diverse range of food. Here are some favoured food pairings to try with focaccia:
- It is great for dipping into a blend of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or, try it with spreads like hummus, tzatziki or roasted red pepper dips for a flavoursome snack.
- Serve it alongside hearty soups like tomato, minestrone, or vegetable soup.
- Focaccia complements Italian antipasti and cheese and charcuterie, serve it alongside prosciutto, salami, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, burrata, and gorgonzola.
- Focaccia adds a delightful crunch to salads. Create croutons by cutting the bread into cubes, toasting them until crispy, and adding them to salads for an additional layer of texture and flavour.
- A tasty base for a sandwich, horizontally slice focaccia to craft mouth-watering sandwiches. Fill it with your favourite ingredients such as vegetables, cured meats, cheese, spreads and dressings.
Try our delicious focaccia sandwiches at Prezzo
The heart of any sandwich lies in its filling, where joy and flavour come together. At Prezzo, lunchtimes are a delightful experience, bridging the gap between breakfast and dinner with a burst of vibrant and authentic Italian flavours.
Join us for lunch and savour our latest creations. Each sandwich offers a unique combination of flavours and ingredients to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the perfect balance of taste and freshness in every bite.
Check out the delicious sandwich options we offer:
Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil
Enjoy the freshness of mozzarella, fragrant basil, sun-blushed tomatoes, and peppery rocket, all harmoniously brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Chicken & Prosciutto
Indulge in a combination of freshly grilled chicken breast, savoury prosciutto, vibrant rocket, and a delectable pestonnaise spread.
Hummus & Roasted Vegetables
Savour the delightful blend of creamy hummus, roasted aubergine, sun-blushed tomatoes, Nocellara olives, and zesty rocket.
With three enticing flavours to choose from, there's no better time than now to book a table and discover your perfect midday moment.