Focaccia with asparagus, shallot & mozzarella

The perfect versatile spring bake – this British asparagus focaccia is cheesy and indulgent yet remains light and fresh with the asparagus and olives. Equally delicious on its own for lunch or as an accompaniment to your favourite pasta dish for supper.

Serves: 8-10

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

You’ll need

500g strong bread flour

7g fast action yeast

2 tsp fine salt

2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for the tin

150g asparagus

1 tbsp olive oil

2 echalion shallots

200g buffalo mozzarella

2 tbsp fresh green pesto

What to do

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, yeast and salt and make a well in the middle. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and 350ml lukewarm water and stir to make a sticky dough. You may need slightly more or slightly less water.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until it is soft and springy. Put it in a clean, oiled bowl and leave for 1 hour, covered with a tea towel to prove.

Peel and slice the shallots and sauté gently in 1 tbsp olive oil for five minutes or until softened but not taking on too much colour.

Oil a baking tin (approx 25x35cm). Tip the dough out and shape it to fit the tin. Put it in the tin and leave, covered for another 30-40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 220⁰c.

Trim the asparagus and break the buffalo mozzarella into small pieces.

Make holes in the bread dough with your fingers and spread it with the pesto and with the shallots. Pop the pieces of mozzarella into the holes.

Bake the bread in the hot oven for 20 minutes. Carefully remove it and push the asparagus spears into the hot dough, quickly sprinkle with sea salt and return to the oven for a further ten minutes or until the bread is cooked and the cheese is bubbling. The asparagus spears should be cooked through, still green, with slightly charred tips.

Recipe courtesy of British Asparagus

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Melina - Assistant Editor

Hi I'm Melina, a mother of 3 teenage children and with a particular interest in all things health related. I run a busy household and smallholding alongside my work with Silversurfers, which currently includes dogs, fish, hens, ducks and pigs!

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