ONION FOCACCIA

1 (4-ounce) package (2 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup lukewarm water
3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon table salt
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
1 large red onion, sliced thin
1 large shallot, sliced thin
4 scallions, chopped fine
1/4 teaspoon crumbled dried sage
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon coarse salt, or to taste

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment proof the yeast with the sugar in the water for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy, add the flour, the table salt, and 3 tablespoons of the oil, and combine the dough well. With the dough hook knead the dough for 2 minutes, or until it is soft and slightly sticky. Form the dough into a ball, transfer it to an oiled bowl, and turn it to coat it with the oil. Let the dough rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until it is double in bulk. The dough may be made up to this point, punched down, and kept, covered and chilled, overnight. Let the dough return to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe. Press the dough evenly into an oiled jell-roll pan, 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 by 1 inches, and let it rise, covered loosely, in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it is almost double in bulk.

In a large bowl stir together the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, the onions, the shallot, the scallions, the sage, and pepper to taste and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the focaccia with the Parmesan and the coarse salt and bake it in the bottom third of a preheated 400°F. oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Let the focaccia cool in the pan on a rack and serve it warm or at room temperature.

Gourmet
December 1991