Schiacciata

With pleasure! La schiacciata is a Tuscan cuisine classic, similar to focaccia. Here I propose a basic recipe which you can then personalize to your liking with olives, rosemary, onions, or other ingredients of your choice.

Ingredients

• 500 g of type 0 or type 1 flour
• 300 ml of lukewarm water
• 12 g of fresh yeast (or 4 g of dry yeast)
• 10 g of fine salt
• 30 ml of extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
• Pinch of sugar

Preparation

1. Dissolve the fresh (or dry) yeast in the lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar.
2. In a large bowl, sift the flour and create a well in the center where you will add the water mixed with dissolved yeast.
3. Start combining the flour with the water by slowly incorporating the rest of the flour from the edges of the well.
4. Add the salt and 30 ml of extra virgin olive oil, then begin to work the dough vigorously until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a work surface and continue to knead it for at least 10 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a bowl greased with some oil, cover it with a damp kitchen towel or cling film, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
7. Once risen, take the dough and gently spread it onto a previously greased baking tray, giving it the classic rectangular shape of the schiacciata.
8. Let the schiacciata rise on the tray for another 30 minutes.
9. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 °C (428 °F).
10. Make dimples on the surface of the dough with your fingers and drizzle extra virgin olive oil all over the surface.
11. Bake the schiacciata for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Curiosity

Schiacciata has ancient origins and was traditionally baked on hot stones or under ashes. There is also a sweet version of schiacciata called “schiacciata con l’uva” typical during the grape harvest period, where grapes, sugar, and anise are incorporated into the dough.

I hope you have fun preparing this Tuscan specialty and that it offers you an authentic taste of Italian cuisine!