Traditional homemade focaccia recipe from Puglia

Loved by people of all age from all over the world, how can you say no to the traditional homemade focaccia recipe from Puglia? To help you spend the time at home in a more pleasant and tasty way, we are now sharing the original recipe of the focaccia, an art and a passion for Apulians!

According to the blog Camminvattin the origins of the famous focaccia date back to Phoenicians. Back in 2nd century BC, Cato tells how the Phoenicians used millet, barley, water and salt to make a delicious round dough. The dough was then cooked on a stone with olive oil, spices and honey. Later on, Romans took over the tradition by offering the food in ritual worships to the gods and during banquets accompanied by wine.

Like any traditional Apulian recipe, the secret of focaccia is simplicity, with quality ingredients being the key differentiator. This is exactly why focaccia is so delicious, especially if accompanied by an chilly Peroni!

Ingredients:

600gr of flour
1 large potato, boiled and mashed
1 yeast (approx. 40 grams, ideally brewer’s yeast)
1 tbsp salt
3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
300gr of lukewarm water (approx. 37 degrees)
1 tbsp sugar

Method (traditional homemade focaccia recipe):

For two medium focaccia (4 people)

Boil the potato, remove the peel and mash it with a potato masher or a fork.

In a bowl or preferably on a wooden base, mix flour and potatoes with your hands.

 

Make a well in the center and place yeast, sugar, oil. Gradually add warm water and salt, ideally the salt doesn’t have to be added close to the yeast.

 

Knead the dough for 15 minutes until the dough is a soft and smooth. Create two loaves, make a cross on the top of both loaves and cover them with a tea towel and a blanket.

Leave to rise for at least 2 hours.

After the two hours and once the loaves have doubled, take the baking tray, pour the oil and then stretch the dough with your hands until the dough is stretched evenly. Make sure that the olive oil reached the edges of the dough. It’s important to add lots of olive oil so to give crunchiness to the focaccia.

Once the dough has been stretched, it is time to garnish it. You can add tomatoes, vegetables, mozzarella or keep it plain with lots of oregano or rosemary … be creative and pick the ingredients that you love the most!

Leave the focaccia to rise for another half hour (“double rising” is essential) and in the meantime turn on the oven at 200-220 degrees.

Bake the focaccia for about 25 minutes.

Enjoy your focaccia!

Why not try our taralli recipe too? They are delicious! Follow this link

Taralli: Authentic Apulian homemade recipe

Who invented taralli and where they come from? The origin of the word taralli is still uncertain and open to interpretation. Some people believe it is derived from the Latin word “torrère”, to toast, while others think it comes from the Greek word “daratos” which means similar to bread. While its origin is still uncertain, we know that taralli became hugely popular in the south of Italy back in 1400, in a period when famine was raging in the region.

According to the legend, the first tarallo was kneaded by a mother who, having no food to feed her children with, came up with the recipe by randomly mixing together what she had in his pantry: flour, olive oil, salt, white wine. All essential products in Apulian cuisine.

For this reason, in a difficult moment like the one that Italy and the world is facing, returning to our origins, tradition and simplicity becomes a duty more than a choice.

Sneak into your kitchen, roll up your sleeves and master your italian cooking skills by making some taralli. And remember, you can make them in whatever shape you like!

Ingredients:

275g Plain Flour

100g White wine

120g Extra virgin olive oil

10g Salt

 

Method:

  • Mix flour, salt and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk together to get a crumbly texture
  • Add the white wine and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is compact
  • Move the dough to a flat surface and leave it to rest for about 10 minutes
  • Remove some small pieces of dough, roll it out to form a long 1cm thick strip (less than ½ inch)
  • Cut the dough into shorter strips and join the ends together to create a donut shape
  • Put the water to boil and simmer 4-5 units at a time. Keep them in the water until they start to float to the top, then place themon a clean and dry tea towel.
  • Place the taralli on a baking tray and bake in a preheated static oven at 190°C until golden brown (approximately 20-25 minutes).
  • Enjoy the taralli!

A summer world-class music event in Locorotondo

Are you a real music lover? Check out Locus Festival, one of the best music events in Puglia you cannot miss out!

Since 2005, this epic festival brings together international artists for a world-class music event in Locorotondo.

Locus festival defines itself as the “perfect balance between quality and popularity” with a line-up that never fails to disappoint. Alongside with top-notch Italian artists, international artists like Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kings Of Convenience, Robert Glasper, Theo Parrish, Bonobo heated the Locus Festival stage, providing guests an eclectic and unforgivable music experience ranging from jazz to indie to electronic genres.

Our favourite artists joining this world-class music event in Locorotondo.

Lauryn Hill, photo credit to DaigoOliva

Two acclaimed American artists, Jose James and Lauryn Hill will be headlining the 2019 edition, accompanied by the unique presence of Four Tet, one of the most avant-garde artists in the electronic music scene.

Lauryn Hill: former member of Fugees, Lauryn Hill is the voice behind songs like “Killing me softly” and “Ready or not?” just to name a few. A queen of soul music with a long list of awards and a very controversial history between music and social activism.

 

 

 

 

Jose James

Jose James: Sensual and energetic as it could be, Jose James love blending modern jazz and hip-hop. An smooth yet deep voice that reminds us of a younger version of lighthouse family but also a melancholic sound from the past, which at times reminds us of Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday.

 

Four Tet: a blissful mix of electronic and experimental music, but also jazz, folk and arab influences, Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet) is an English musician that broke through the European scene in 2003, when he opened for Radiohead on their European tour. His style is so eclectic that encapsulates a new genre itself, that in fact he dubs himself as “folktronica”. An incredible experience for the ears.

Where is Locus Festival taking place?

Locus Festival takes place in Locorotondo, a hidden gem in the heart of Valle d’Itria. A spectacular view of the Apulian countryside, with its olive trees and wine yards. Visit their website 

When? 27th July – 14th August 2019

If you are looking for an accomodation nearby why not taking a look at our rooms? 

Top beaches around Bari and Monopoli

To help you pick the best stretch of sand or your intimate rocky cove we cherrypicked the top beaches around Bari and Monopoli that you cannot miss.

Puglia has some of the most beautiful coastline in Italy, however choosing the right spot can be a stressful task when there are so many options! For this reason, we have selected some of the top beaches around Bari to make your experience in Puglia stress-free. All you need to worry about is packing your beach bag and get ready to turn your skin into pure gold!

Calamarena

Arguably one of the best beaches around the area, this is a very popular spot where locals often hang. Wild and untouched are just some of the words used to describe this shoreline, which gives you everything you need. The water is crystal clear and less busy than the average beach, meaning that you can truly relax here. Also, loungers and shade are available to hire at a very affordable rate. In other words you’ll have the best value for money you could possibly hope for. Finally, and a bar that features a mix of typical Apulian dishes. If you love simplicity and nature, this is your cup of tea.

 

 

Santo Stefano (Monopoli)

Nestled between two rocky ridges, with a medieval castle overlooking the natural cove, Santo Stefano is a magical place that attracts local and international visitors every year. The water is pristine and this is also thanks to its natural springs streaming from the ground which was used by Benedictine monks in the 14th century. Moreover, the camping area allows adventurous travellers to access the public beach, whereas the privately-owned area ensure you have all the comforts.

Bambu beach (Capitolo)

If you love sandy beaches and you are in for a treat without giving up on your adventurous spirit, this is definitely your must-go spot. A tropical inspired beach resort with tiki influences offers its guests the most relaxing and indulgent experience thanks to its shell-shaped sunbeds, a restaurant, a sushi bar and last but not least a tremendous green/turquoise sea in the beautiful coast line of Capitolo. The icing on the cake? This beach offers plenty of sport facilities ideal for kids and adults. This includes a beach volley court, wind-surfs, canoe and laser-sail boat rental and the possibility to also get an instructor. Time to learn how to ride those waves!

 

Archeolido

We dare you to find something as unique as the Archeolido, A sandy beach facing the crystallised water that takes thousands of shades of blue from the sky. The old Acropolis of Egnathia, the Ancient city of the Messapii is standing in the background. Archeolido is more than a beach. It’s a place that wants to bring you back to the 2nd century B.C. reviving your passion for the Mediterranean culture and history. In other words, the Archeolido is the place where you can lose yourself between nature and culture with the comforts of a private beach club. The beach is equipped with shades and lounges and the bar offers a great menu selection, using ingredients that have been carefully sourced locally.

 

Porto Marzano (Monopoli)

Located in a narrow and deep inlet, this is a serious hidden gem. Perfect for those who love to perch on a sandy beach whilst admiring the natural landscape with the typical Mediterranean shrubs. This small lido is a great spot on windy days since it’s protected by two rocky ridges. A private area provides with shades and loungers and a bar is also available for a fresh snack.