Stuffed Focaccia Or Pita Piena Food

STUFFED FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Put the flour and 5g of sea salt into a large bowl and make a well in the middle. In a jug, mix the yeast into 300ml of lukewarm water, leave for a few minutes, then gradually pour it into the well, stirring and bringing in the flour from the outside to form a dough. Knead on a flour-dusted surface for 10 minutes, or until smooth and springy. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean damp tea towel and prove in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, pod the broad beans into a bowl, pinching the skins off any larger ones. Peel the garlic, finely chop with the top leafy half of the parsley and add to the bowl with 75ml of extra virgin olive oil. Finely grate in the pecorino and lemon zest, squeeze in the juice, season, mix together, then put aside.
• Lightly oil a deep baking tray (30cm x 40cm), and dust evenly with the breadcrumbs. Pound the dough a few times with your fist, then roll or stretch it out to 30cm x 80cm. Drape half the dough into the tray, leaving the rest overhanging. Pour over the broad bean mixture in an even layer, keeping some of the oil behind. Fold the overhanging dough over the top, drizzle with the reserved oil, then use your fingers to gently push down and, importantly, create lots of dips and wells in the dough. Cover with a clean damp tea towel and leave to prove until doubled in size again.
• Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF/gas 7. Sprinkle the dough with sea salt, then bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Let it cool on a board, then slice up and tuck in. Absolute heaven.

VEGGIE-STACK PITA POCKETS

Steps:

• Combine the chickpeas, water, cheese, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes in a food processor and puree until completely smooth, about 5 minutes. While the motor is running, pour in the olive oil and process until fully incorporated and velvety. Season with pepper, to taste.
• Spoon a scant tablespoon bean spread into toasted pitas. (Put remaining bean spread in an air-tight container.) Add avocado and cucumber slices, or other vegetables of choice and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Wrap in parchment or butcher paper, and pack in a plastic container to keep from getting squished. Pack in a lunch box and send to school.

STUFFED MOROCCAN PITTA

Steps:

• Spread the hummus on the inside of each pitta, then layer with the falafels, pepper and rocket.

STUFFED FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Thaw dough.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Divide the dough into two.
• On a floured surface, either pat down or roll into two 10-11 inch circles.
• Place one circle on an oiled cookie sheet, and then sprinkle the cheese evenly over its surface.
• Spread the spinach across the top, and then cover with the remaining circle.
• Using your fingertips, gently press the edges together.
• Create dimples across the top surface using your fingertips, and drizzle over with the oil. Sprinkle the salt and rosemary on top.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve warm.
• Variation: Try stuffing the focaccia with thinly sliced tomatoes and basil leaves, shredded cooked ham and Fontina cheese, or simply a mixture of your favorite Italian cheeses.

STUFFED FOCCACIA WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT AND OREGANO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
• Slice eggplant into 1/2-inch slices. Salt the eggplant and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes; rinse the slices and pat dry. Brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with thyme, and season with pepper. Place the slices on a baking sheet and roast, not turning, until brown and tender, about 30 minutes. Let cool.
• Separate the dough into 4 rounds. Roll them out into 8 to 10-inch circles. Brush 2 of them with olive oil and lay half the eggplant in the middle of each. Top each with half the tomato sauce, some fresh oregano, half the mozzarella, and 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Top each with a round of dough and crimp the edges to make a seal (like a pie). Pierce the top crust to allow steam to vent, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with remaining parmesan.
• Position your oven racks to the upper most and lowest positions. Place 2 large baking sheets on the racks and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Carefully remove the sheets and dust them with cornmeal. Transfer the rounds to the baking sheets and brush each with some olive oil. Bake until the crusts are light brown on the bottom, about 20 minutes. When slightly cool, slice like a pie into 8 wedges.

SEAFOOD SALAD PITAS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the crab, shrimp, celery and onions. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, seafood seasoning, salt and pepper. Pour over crab mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Spoon into pita halves.

STUFFED FOCACCIA OR PITA PIENA

Steps:

• Mix the flour, yeast, water and salt in a bowl and work until smooth and elastic.
• Move to a warm place and leave to rise until doubled.
• Place the risen dough on your counter and pull it open in the middle.
• Punch down and then add the lard, kneading until elastic and silky.
• Put back in the bowl and leave to rise again.
• Preheat the oven to 180 C or 350°F.
• Roll out half the dough to about 2 cm thick and use it to cover the base of a large oven dish, greased with lard.
• Scatter over the pork rind, egg, sausage and pecorino.
• Roll out the rest of the dough to the same size and lay on top.
• Bind the two with half the beaten egg.
• Prick with a fork and brush on the remaining egg.
• Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.