The Focaccia Barese is an icon of Pugliese gastronomy, a product that tells a story of traditions, flavors, and conviviality. Famous for its crispy crust and soft heart, it is a must-try for anyone visiting the city of Bari and its surroundings. But what is the history of this dish, and how is it prepared? Let’s find out together.

Origins and History

The Focaccia Barese has ancient roots that date back to Roman times. Originally, it was a simple dough of flour and water, cooked on hot stones. Over the centuries, the recipe has been enriched, acquiring unique characteristics that distinguish it from other varieties of focaccia.

Particularly popular in the city of Bari, the Focaccia Barese has become a symbol of hospitality: traditionally served during festivals and family gatherings, it’s a dish that brings people together around the table.

Ingredients for Focaccia Barese

  • 500 g of re-milled semolina flour
  • 400 ml of lukewarm water
  • 10 g of salt
  • 20 g of fresh yeast
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Black olives
  • Oregano
  • Coarse salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Procedure

  1. Preparation of the Dough: Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt, gradually add the water with the yeast, and knead until you get a homogeneous mixture. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. Cooking the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes, mash them, and incorporate them into the dough. This is a secret to making the focaccia soft and moist.
  3. Rising: Transfer the dough to an oiled tray and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours until it doubles in volume.
  4. Topping: Once risen, place the cherry tomatoes and olives on the surface, add a pinch of oregano, coarse salt, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Baking: Bake at 200°C for about 20-25 minutes, until the focaccia becomes golden and crispy.

Tips for a Perfect Focaccia

  • Quality of Ingredients: Choose high-quality ingredients, especially for the extra virgin olive oil, which makes a difference in taste.
  • Rising Times: Respect the rising times to ensure the right softness and porosity.
  • Oven Temperature: Make sure the oven is well-heated before baking the focaccia to achieve that characteristic crispy crust.

Conclusion

The Focaccia Barese is not just a dish, but a piece of Pugliese history and culture. Perfect for a picnic, as a snack, or as a meal accompaniment, this focaccia is a true triumph of Mediterranean flavors.

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