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Focaccia is an iconic Italian bread that is versatile and will also taste well no matter how you eat it or what it is eaten. It is sporadic to see people eating focaccia all by itself without any accompaniments as you can swallow various side dishes with it.
In terms of what to eat with focaccia, you can eat focaccia with side dishes, such as steamed shell fish, sautéed broccoli, mashed potatoes, hummus dip, fried egg, vegetable salads and vinaigrette dressings.
I do not think there is anyone who would not like a good Italian dish as most of their dishes are made from herbs and vegetables.
Italians try their best to reduce the number of artificial ingredients they use in preparing their dishes – and most of their dishes are crusty outside and very soft and fluffy inside.
What Is Focaccia?
Focaccia (fo-ka-cha) is a flatbread from Italy and is similar to pizza dough. This bread can come either as sweet or savoury and because it resembles the pizza, it is sometimes referred to as a white pizza.
Typical focaccia dough is usually seasoned with olive oil, and then covered with herbs and vegetables.
Focaccia has many variations and toppings to suit your taste. Some standard focaccia toppings include onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and olives, making it a super delicious dish.
You can cut this bread in different unique shapes like circles, squares, and triangles, making it more interesting to enjoy.
What to Eat with Focaccia
Since focaccia is a very versatile bread, it can go well with many side dishes and soups. Sometimes, it is referred to as the white pizza or pizza blanca because it is usually eaten with many toppings, just like a pizza.
1. Mashed Potatoes
We should all know that mashed potatoes are a classic dish that never disappoints us. Mashed potatoes can go with literally everything, and their creamy and smooth texture helps achieve that creamy consistency.
Like the focaccia bread, the mashed potatoes are versatile, so you can also garnish them with any herbs or vegetables. Mashed potatoes would also work well as they absorb the flavours of other ingredients and sauces.
Mashed potatoes are excellent vessels to use for gravy. Because their texture is delicate, you can scoop up as much as you want without the fear of breaking the container that holds it underneath.
These two dishes go very well together and are ideal since their textures compliments each other.
2. Sautéed Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that has a very soft and crunchy consistency. It tastes better when it is topped with sweet white sauce, which gives it its creamy texture making it a perfect match for focaccia bread.
There are many ways to eat your sautéed broccoli, but when it comes to eating it with focaccia bread, it is better eaten when the broccoli is sautéed in butter. By doing this, you can take advantage of its natural crispiness.
Broccoli has a subtle flavor, so seasoning should not be the problem as it can be seasoned in many different ways, either with herbs, some spices, or even with garlic.
You can also mix your broccoli with mashed potatoes and eat them with your focaccia, a whole three in one dish!
3. Steamed Shell Fish
Shellfish is a perfect accompaniment for the focaccia as it can be served both hot and cold. The shellfish serves as a delicious side dish, and it has so many health benefits attached to it as it helps you stay fit because it has very low calorie and fat content.
It also has low sodium and high protein content making it ideal for people who want to limit their salt intake.
If you are a fan of garlic, this is the combination you should try, as steamed shellfish goes very well with garlic, which enhances the flavour, thereby giving it that taste that would make your dish worth your love.
4. Hummus Dip
Hummus is a perfect accompaniment to any bread, and the most exciting part is that it is simple to prepare. The significant ingredients you will need are chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, tahini paste, and lemon juice are the primary components used.
If you do not have the time to make fresh hummus, you can buy a jar of hummus from a store, but home-made versions are always better.
The hummus dip can be served as a side dish, appetizer or snack before your main meal. It is ideal for people who want a light side dish to go with focaccia.
5. Fried Egg
Fried egg is native to Americans, and it goes well with your focaccia.
You can quickly turn your plain focaccia dish into a delightful dish by eating it with your fried egg smeared with garlic butter on top.
You can also decide to serve this dish with some rice, vegetables, or quinoa to complement your entire dish further; you can eat it as either breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
6. Vegetable Salads and Vinaigrette Dressings
This duo is an excellent side dish that can match almost any dish. The best parts about this side dish are that you can make it with a variety of healthy vegetables of your choice, and you can make it ahead of time.
The vinaigrette is added to give your dish a creamy feel and if you want a drier salad, use less vinaigrette, and if you want it creamier, you use more. It is that simple!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Meat Goes Well with Focaccia?
Roasted chicken or lamb meat would go well with your focaccia with roasted cherry tomatoes, feta, and oregano topped with it.
Is Focaccia Healthy?
Yes, focaccia is very healthy as it provides the body with carbohydrates that give the body energy and help regulate the blood sugar levels. It gives it an extra edge when made with whole-wheat flour.
What Is the Difference Between Pizza and Focaccia?
The significant difference between the pizza and focaccia is that little leavening is used when making pizza, which makes the pizza flatter. In contrast, more leavening is used in making the dough for focaccia, making it a lot thicker.
Why Is It Called Focaccia?
Its name was derived from the Roman word Panis focacius, which means hearth bread, which indicates that people traditionally baked it in coals during Roman times. The ingredients used back then for the dough include olive oil, a small quantity of yeast, salt, rough flour, and water.
Are Ciabatta and Focaccia the Same?
Ciabatta and focaccia are not the same. The significant difference between these two is the texture. Focaccia has a lightweight consistency that is almost similar to that of the pizza compared to the ciabatta, while the ciabatta has a thicker and chewier consistency.
