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Embark on a culinary adventure with Claire Saffitz, the celebrated chef and cookbook author, as she reveals the secrets to crafting a delightful and flavorful Claire Saffitz focaccia. Recognized for her culinary expertise and meticulous recipe development, Claire’s interpretation of this classic Italian bread ensures a fulfilling experience for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
With a seamless blend of simplicity and sophistication, the Claire Saffitz Focaccia recipe embodies the essence of artisanal baking, providing a tasty canvas that can be personalized to meet individual preferences.
Claire Saffitz Focaccia Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan (recommendation)
- Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment (recommendation)
- Whisk
- Flexible spatula or dough scraper
- Large bowl for dough rising
- Damp kitchen towel
- Oiled plastic wrap
- Standard half-sheet pan (recommendation)
- Thin spatula
- Oven with two racks (arranged at the highest and lowest positions) (recommendation)
- Wire rack for cooling (recommendation)
Ingredients
- 1 packet (1/4 oz / 7g) active dry yeast
- 6 cups bread flour (24oz / 780g)
- 2 tablespoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (0.6oz / 17g)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (5oz / 110g), with an additional 1/4 cup for topping plain focaccia and more for oiling hands Optional toppings:
- Flaky salt for sprinkling on the top
Instructions
- Gently heat 1/2 cup water to around 40 ºC (105 °F) in a saucepan, then pour it into a stand mixer bowl. Whisk in yeast and set aside until cloudy and slightly puffed (about 5 minutes).
- Attach the dough hook to the mixer. Add 2 1/2 cups room-temperature water to the yeast mixture, then incorporate flour and kosher salt.
- Mix on low until a loose dough forms (about 1 minute), then increase speed to medium-high until the dough is smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Turn off the mixer, cover with a damp towel, and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Resume mixing until the dough is very smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides (another 10-15 minutes). It will be sticky; avoid adding more flour.
- Pour 1/4 cup oil into a separate bowl, coating it. Transfer the dough, dabbing oil on its surface, cover with a damp towel, and let it double in size (1-1.5 hours).
- Drizzle 1/4 cup oil on a half-sheet pan, coating it. With oiled hands, lift and stretch the dough, repeating the process. Place on the oiled pan, stretch until it resists, cover with oiled plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Uncover, stretch the dough to fill the pan, and cover again. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or let it rise at room temperature until nearly doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 230 ºC (450 °F) with two racks arranged at the highest and lowest positions.
- Uncover the risen dough, press fingertips to make dimples, drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup oil, and sprinkle with salt and rosemary.
- Bake on the lower rack for 20-25 minutes until corners pull away, then transfer to the top rack for an additional 5 minutes until well-browned.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use a spatula to loosen and cool completely on a wire rack.
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What to Serve with Claire Saffitz Focaccia
Claire Saffitz Focaccia pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that complement its flavors. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Claire Saffitz Focaccia:
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Create a simple dipping sauce with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a classic and flavorful combination.
- Herbed Butter: Prepare a herbed butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to spread on warm slices of focaccia.
- Hummus: Serve with a side of hummus, either classic or flavored, for a delightful and creamy dip.
- Pesto: Offer pesto, either traditional basil or a variation with sun-dried tomatoes or spinach, to spread on the focaccia.
- Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter with an assortment of cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese to complement the bread.
- Charcuterie: Pair with cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, or chorizo for a savory and satisfying combination.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, make a colorful and flavorful side.
- Caprese Salad: Serve a refreshing Caprese salad with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Soup: Pair with a warm soup, such as tomato basil soup or minestrone, for a comforting and complete meal.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Accompany with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-rich and satisfying meal.
- Marinated Olives: Serve a bowl of marinated olives for a briny and tangy addition.
- Bruschetta: Top slices of focaccia with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a tasty bruschetta.
Consider your preferences and the occasion when selecting accompaniments, as Claire Saffitz Focaccia is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.
How to Store Claire Saffitz Focaccia
To store Claire Saffitz Focaccia and maintain its freshness, follow these guidelines:
1. Cooling:
- Allow the focaccia to cool completely at room temperature after baking.
2. Airtight Container:
- Once cooled, place the focaccia in an airtight container. If the focaccia is large, you may want to cut it into smaller portions for easier storage.
3. Plastic Wrap or Foil:
- Alternatively, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure that it is well-sealed to prevent air from reaching the bread.
4. Room Temperature:
- If you plan to consume the focaccia within 1-2 days, it can be stored at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
5. Refrigeration:
- For longer storage, especially if you anticipate keeping it for more than 2 days, refrigerate the focaccia. This helps prevent the growth of mold.
- Before refrigerating, ensure the focaccia is well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
6. Freezing:
- If you want to store the focaccia for an extended period, freezing is an option.
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date for reference.
- Frozen focaccia can generally be stored for 1-2 months.
7. Thawing and Reheating:
- When ready to consume, thaw frozen focaccia in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at a low temperature (around 325°F or 163°C) to restore its texture and warmth.
Always remember to use clean utensils and hands when handling the focaccia to prevent contamination. Additionally, storing it in an airtight manner helps preserve its moisture and flavor.
Claire Saffitz’s focaccia recipe exemplifies the artistry and precision that has made her a trusted name in the culinary world. The resulting bread, with its golden crust, pillowy interior, and infusion of olive oil and salt, is a testament to Claire’s commitment to elevating home cooking.
Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with a hearty meal, or customized with your favorite toppings, the Claire Saffitz Focaccia is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to savor the joy of creating something truly exceptional in your own kitchen.
