Skip to main content

Potato Focaccia

Fingerlings are grown in yellow, pink, and blue varieties. For a special touch, use an assortment of them. Any small potatoes will work just as well as fingerlings.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes one 12 x 18-inch loaf

Ingredients

7 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl and plastic wrap
1 pound assorted fingerling potatoes
4 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus more for seasoning
1 envelope active dry yeast (1 scant tablespoon)
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, coarsely chopped
Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into a 12 × 18-inch rimmed baking pan, and spread all over using your fingertips; set aside. Place half the potatoes in a small saucepan. Cover with cold water; place over high heat. Add 3 teaspoons salt when the water comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain in a colander, reserving the liquid. Pass through a potato ricer or a food mill and into a bowl; set aside.

    Step 2

    Place 1/4 cup reserved warm liquid into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Sprinkle in the yeast, and stir well; let stand until creamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add 2 1/4 cups more reserved liquid, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the reserved mashed potatoes; beat until combined. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; add to the potato mixture. Mix on low speed until the flour is incorporated, about 3 minutes. Change to the dough hook, and knead on medium-high until the dough is smooth and elastic and is slightly tacky when squeezed but does not stick to your fingers, 4 to 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Turn the dough out onto a clean surface, and knead into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

    Step 4

    Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Cover with oiled plastic wrap, and let stand in a warm place until the dough has filled the entire pan and has increased in size by about one-third, about 30 minutes.

    Step 5

    Using a mandoline or a knife, slice the remaining potatoes into very thin rounds. Transfer to a bowl. Add half the rosemary and 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes well.

    Step 6

    Remove the plastic wrap; dimple the dough with your fingertips, leaving deep indentations. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Gently press the reserved sliced potatoes into the dough. Sprinkle with the remaining rosemary. Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven; transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.