Focaccia Barese

Name: Focaccia Barese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°), divided; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/3 cup mashed potato flakes; 1-1/2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1-3/4 cups bread flour; TOPPING:; 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup pitted Greek olives, halved; 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh or dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois

Ingredients

1-1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°), divided
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup mashed potato flakes
1-1/2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 cups bread flour
TOPPING:
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pitted Greek olives, halved
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh or dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the potato flakes, 1-1/2 teaspoons oil, salt, 1 cup flour and remaining water. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet; tilt pan to evenly coat. Add dough; shape to fit pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
With fingertips, make several dimples over top of dough. Brush with remaining tablespoon of oil. Blot tomato slices with paper towels. Arrange tomato slices and olives over dough; sprinkle with oregano and salt.
Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 142 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Focaccia Barese in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2011