Nothing makes a home feel as cozy as the smell of fresh-baked bread. Black garlic boosts the umami in our Tomato, Onion, and Black Garlic Focaccia recipe for a tasty bread that’s packed with flavor. Making freshly baked bread at home is easy with your Vitamix and Dry Grains Container.

Focaccia is one of Italy’s oldest breads and it traces its roots to the hearths of the ancient Etruscans. During the Renaissance, Italian churchgoers munched on focaccia during weddings and funerals, until a bishop, no doubt weary of incessant crunching during his sermons, banished the tasty flatbread from services.

Most store-bought focaccia is loaded with salt. Making your own lets you customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs. This healthier version from the Vitamix Culinary Team cuts the sodium in half. While this recipe has a few more steps than a smoothie does, your Vitamix is ready for anything so you can try everything.

Ingredients

For the Focaccia:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 teaspoon instant fast rise yeast
  • 3 cups high-gluten bread flour
  • 2 Tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

To Serve:

  • 1 Roma tomato
  • ¼ onion
  • 1 bulb black garlic

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients.
Preheat oven to 450°F (220°C). Combine water, 1 teaspoon honey, and yeast into a small bowl and stir to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast. 

Step 2: Run the Program.
Place liquid, flour, salt, and honey into the Vitamix Dry Grain Container and secure the lid. Run the Bread Program or start the machine and increase to variable 5. Blend for 20 seconds using the tamper to press ingredients towards the blades.

Step 3: Prep the Dough.
Place dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Place in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Prepare a 9x9" (23x23cm) by 2” (5cm) deep baking pan by brushing with extra virgin olive oil. Once dough has risen, remove from the bowl and lightly press into the prepared baking pan. Once in the pan, cover with a towel again and place in a warm area to rise for 45 more minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Bread.
Once dough has risen again, dimple the dough with your fingertips and drizzle lightly with the reserved olive oil. Add the tomato, black garlic, and onions to the top. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the center is over 190°F (85°C).