Foccacina

Savor the ultimate combination of flavors and textures in this delectable Focaccina sandwich. A delightful medley of salumi, cheese, fresh vegetables, and creamy pesto mayo awaits, nestled between warm, soft squares of focaccia. Whether enjoyed freshly made or packed for a picnic or lunch at work, this sandwich will impress with its incredible taste. As the sandwich sits, the flavors meld together, soaking into the bread to create a truly divine culinary experience. Embrace the art of crafting this delightful masterpiece with the following recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons (26 grams) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (10 grams) Basil Pesto
• 1 (5-inch) square piece Focaccia
• 4 thin slices (2.5 ounces/70 grams) provolone cheese
• 4 thin slices (2 ounces/55 grams) prosciutto
• 4 thin tomato slices
• 4 ounces (115 grams) fresh whole-milk mozzarella cheese, homemade or store-bought fior di latte, thinly sliced and well drained
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 thin slice red onion
• 6 thin slices (1.5 ounces/45 grams) Genoa salami
• Small handful of arugula leaves
• 2 (30 grams) Peppadew peppers, coarsely chopped
• Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Garlic Oil, for brushing
• Chopped fresh rosemary, for sprinkling
• Maldon sea salt

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and Basil Pesto and set aside.
2. Cut the focaccia in half horizontally.

YIELD:

• Makes 1 sandwich; Serves 1 to 2

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Lay the provolone over the bottom half of the focaccia and top it with prosciutto, tomato slices, and mozzarella. Season the mozzarella with salt and pepper.
2. Add the onion rings, salami, arugula, and Peppadew peppers to the sandwich layers.
3. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the top.
4. Spread the pesto mayonnaise on the cut side of the top piece of bread and close the sandwich.
5. Brush the top of the sandwich with garlic oil and sprinkle with chopped fresh rosemary and Maldon sea salt.
6. Cut the sandwich in half on the diagonal.

TIPS:

• For a warm, comforting sandwich, use still-warm focaccia as the base.
• To preserve the freshness, pack the sandwich ingredients separately and assemble it just before serving.
• Customize the Focaccina with your favorite ingredients, such as roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or pickled onions.

In the world of sandwiches, the Focaccina stands out as a masterpiece of flavors and textures. This delightful creation balances the richness of salumi and cheeses with the freshness of vegetables and a creamy pesto mayo. As the ingredients come together, each bite brings a harmonious blend of tastes that complement the soft, warm squares of focaccia. The Focaccina is a testament to the art of crafting a sandwich that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

Creating the perfect Focaccina is a simple yet enjoyable process. Start by layering the provolone, prosciutto, tomatoes, and mozzarella on the bottom half of the focaccia. These ingredients serve as the foundation for the rest of the flavorful stack. Seasoning the mozzarella with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper elevates its taste and adds depth to the sandwich.

The combination of red onion, Genoa salami, arugula, and Peppadew peppers provides a delightful contrast of flavors, ranging from the sharpness of the onion to the slight sweetness of the peppers. Drizzling balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil over these ingredients enhances their taste and infuses the sandwich with a burst of freshness.

To elevate the Focaccina’s creaminess, spread a delectable mixture of mayonnaise and Basil Pesto on the cut side of the top piece of bread. This velvety layer adds a rich dimension to each bite. The final touch of garlic oil, fresh rosemary, and Maldon sea salt creates a delightful crunch and an aromatic burst of flavors.

The Focaccina is a versatile sandwich that can be enjoyed in various settings. Whether served still-warm for a comforting meal or packed ahead for a picnic or work lunch, it never fails to impress. The sandwich’s flavors continue to evolve as it sits, with the ingredients mingling and soaking into the bread to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Customize the Focaccina with your favorite ingredients, such as roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or pickled onions. Let your creativity shine as you craft a sandwich that delights your taste buds and brings joy to your mealtime.

In conclusion, the Focaccina is a true masterpiece that celebrates the art of sandwich-making. Its rich flavors, diverse textures, and creamy accents make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it freshly made or let the flavors meld for a picnic, the Focaccina will leave a lasting impression on all who taste its magnificence.