Rosemary Focaccia

Straight from the oven, this flatbread (actually a pizza crust with a light savory topping of onions and herbs) is a satisfying snack. Focaccia is equally at home on a party buffet or as an accompaniment to soups or salads.

8 servings

Active Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 1/2 hours

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

Dough

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 package active dry yeast, (1 tablespoon)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Cornmeal, for dusting baking sheet

Topping

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup water
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

To make dough: Stir together 2 1/2 cups flour, yeast, salt and rosemary in a large mixing bowl. Combine warm water, honey and oil in a small saucepan. Heat until warm to the touch (120 to 130°F). With a wooden spoon, gradually stir the liquid into the flour mixture. Stir vigorously until well mixed. Gradually work in the remaining 1/4 cup flour to make a firm, soft, smooth dough.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour as needed to prevent it from sticking. (Alternatively, combine all the flour with the yeast, salt and rosemary in a food processor. With the motor running, add the heated liquid ingredients and process until the dough forms a ball. Process for 1 minute to knead.)
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and dust lightly with cornmeal.
To make topping and bake focaccia: Heat oil over medium heat in a small nonstick skillet. Add onions and rosemary; sauté until the onions are light golden, about 5 minutes. Add water and simmer until all the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, with floured hands, form the dough into a rectangular shape. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and press dough to cover the baking sheet. Brush egg white over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the reserved onion mixture over the surface. Top with kosher salt and pepper. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 8 or 16 pieces.

Nutrition

Per serving: 205 calories; 3 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrates; 9 g protein; 2 g fiber; 371 mg sodium; 138 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Folate (18% daily value).

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat