Surprise your family and ditch store-bought bread forever with this amazing savory chickpea and roasted red pepper focaccia! This recipe combines the fluffy texture of focaccia with the vibrant flavors of roasted peppers, chickpeas, and a touch of lemon. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, making it a healthier alternative to plain bread.
Ingredients:
- 400 ml warm water
- 200 ml warm milk
- 10 g sugar
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 8 g yeast
- 850 g flour
- 150 g soft butter
- 200 g chickpeas
- 100 g red bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon (zest)
- 30 ml olive oil
- 70 ml water
- 5 g salt
- 5 g sweet paprika
Instructions:
Proof the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This activates the yeast, ensuring your focaccia rises beautifully.
Mix the Dough: 2. Add vegetable oil and ⅔ of the flour (around 560g) to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead the Dough: 3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
First Rise: 4. Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Roast the Vegetables: 5. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Chop the red bell pepper into chunks and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned.
Prepare the Topping: 6. In a small bowl, combine chopped garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and paprika. Set aside.
Second Rise & Dimple the Dough: 7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Transfer it to a well-oiled baking sheet. Using your fingertips, dimple the dough all over, creating indentations.
Assemble the Focaccia: 8. Drizzle the focaccia with olive oil and sprinkle with roasted red peppers, chickpeas, and the prepared garlic-herb mixture. Press the toppings gently into the dough.
Final Rise & Bake: 9. Cover the focaccia loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Cool & Enjoy: 10. Let the focaccia cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Why This Recipe Works:
The combination of a well-proofed dough and flavorful toppings is what makes this recipe a winner. The yeast, warm water, and milk create a beautifully risen dough, while the roasted red peppers, chickpeas, and lemon zest add vibrant flavor and texture. The double rise ensures a fluffy, airy texture, and dimpling the dough helps create the characteristic focaccia appearance and allows the toppings to settle nicely into the bread.
Tips for Success:
- Proper Proofing: Make sure your yeast is fresh and your liquids are the right temperature to properly activate the yeast.
- Kneading: Kneading the dough well is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the focaccia its structure and chewiness.
- Roasting Veggies: Roasting the peppers enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the focaccia.
- Dimpling the Dough: This step is essential for the classic focaccia look and texture, as well as for evenly distributing the toppings.
- Final Rise: Don’t skip the final rise; it ensures that the dough is airy and light.
Sharing and Enjoying:
This savory chickpea and roasted red pepper focaccia is perfect for any occasion. Share it at family dinners, picnics, or as a tasty appetizer at gatherings. It’s also great as a snack or paired with soups and salads. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again.
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Enjoy baking and impressing your family and friends with this delicious, homemade focaccia!
Conclusion:
This savory chickpea and roasted red pepper focaccia is a perfect addition to any meal. It can be enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch. So ditch the store-bought bread and impress your family with this delicious and homemade option!
By following these steps, you’ll create a delightful, nutritious, and visually appealing bread that everyone will love. Happy baking!