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.
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!