Whipped Feta Garden on Golden Focaccia
A beautiful and savory dish combining whipped feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and edible flowers atop golden focaccia.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
Focaccia Dough
- 3.25 cups 3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour Soft and tender, forming the basis of the focaccia.
- 2 tsp 2 tsp instant yeast Accelerating the rise.
- 1.5 tsp 1 1/2 tsp salt Enhancing flavors in the dough.
- 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water Crucial for dough consistency.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil Adding richness to the dough.
- Flaky salt for topping Providing an irresistible crunch.
Whipped Feta
- 200 g 200g feta cheese Creamy, tangy, and decadent.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or labneh Adding creaminess.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 clove 1/2 garlic clove, grated Elevates the feta flavor.
- 1/2 Zest of 1/2 lemon Brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning balance.
Toppings
- Cherry tomatoes, halved Juicy and sweet.
- Fresh herb sprigs (thyme, basil, dill, parsley) Adding fragrant freshness.
- Edible flowers (nasturtiums, violas, pansies) Beautifying the dish.
- Optional: Cucumber ribbons, sliced radishes, microgreens Adding textures and flavors.
Instructions
Make the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water, stirring until the mixture becomes sticky. Knead briefly until just combined. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Transfer to pan
- Grease a rectangular baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough to the pan, stretching it to fit. Dimple the surface with fingers, drizzle with olive oil, and allow it to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
Bake the focaccia
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the dough for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Let cool on a wire rack.
Make the whipped feta
- In a food processor, blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, grated garlic, and lemon zest until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Slice and assemble
- Slice the cooled focaccia into squares and cut horizontally to create pocket-like sandwiches. Spread a layer of whipped feta inside.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes, herb sprigs, edible flowers, and microgreens.
Finish and enjoy
- Sprinkle flaky salt and drizzle with olive oil before serving. Present and allow guests to create their own versions.
Notes
Measure ingredients accurately. Use warm water for yeast activation. Don't rush rising times for best texture. Use quality olive oil and feta.