Herb Caramelized Onion Focaccia

Ingredients

• 4 cup bread or AP flour (all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for the dough)
• 1.5 cup warm water
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1 tbsp honey
• fresh rosemary (to taste)
• fresh parsley (to taste)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 0.33 cup olive oil (for the herb oil)
• 1 yellow onion
• 0.5 tbsp sugar (for caramelized onions)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Steps

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.

2. 2

   To the warm water, add the honey and yeast. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

3. 3

   Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a hydrated, sticky dough forms.

4. 4

   Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   After 10 minutes, with wet hands, perform the stretch and fold method to build structure in the dough. Cover for an additional 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Repeat the stretch and fold method once more, then cover and place the dough in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 48 hours.

7. 7

   After the dough has cold-fermented in the fridge, remove it from the refrigerator.

8. 8

   Add olive oil to a large oven-safe pan or baking dish, then transfer the dough into the pan.

9. 9

   Mold the dough into an oval loaf shape and turn it lengthwise in the pan.

10. 10

    Cover and let the dough rise again at room temperature for 4-5 hours.

11. 11

    Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C).

12. 12

    Prepare the herb oil by adding fresh rosemary, parsley, garlic cloves, and 1/3 cup olive oil to a food processor and blend until combined.

13. 13

    Uncover the dough. If it hasn't filled the dish completely after the 4-5 hour rise, gently stretch the corners to fit.

14. 14

    Add the prepared herb oil and caramelized onions (prepared separately by sautéing the onion with sugar and balsamic vinegar) on top of the dough and spread evenly.

15. 15

    Dimple the dough all over with your fingers, then place it in the oven for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.

16. 16

    After the loaf has finished baking, let it cool slightly before cutting into slices.

Notes

The caramelized onions should be prepared ahead of time by sautéing the sliced yellow onion with sugar and balsamic vinegar until soft and dark. The dough benefits significantly from the long cold ferment in the fridge (up to 48 hours).

Nutrition per serving

• focaccia
• bread
• baking
• vegetarian
• side dish
• caramelized onions
• herb oil