Autumn has arrived and with it come the pumpkins… Today I used this vegetable, which I like in every way, to prepare the pumpkin focaccia. Sweet and savory at the same time. How can you resist? You can’t! Word of Marta.

Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Economical
Rest time: 3 Hours
Preparation time: 15 Minutes
Portions: 8 slices
Cooking methods: Oven
Cuisine: Italian
Seasonality: Autumn, Winter

Ingredients

5.3 oz Mantovana Pumpkin
1.1 cups All-purpose Flour
1.1 cups Manitoba Flour
2/3 cup Milk (if using plant-based milk, use unsweetened)
1 pinch Sugar
1 tsp Salt
2 tbsps Olive Oil
Half packet Dry Yeast
1/3 cup Water
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1 sprig Rosemary
1 tsp Salt

Tools

1 Steamer
1 Stand Mixer
1 Pizza Pan

Pumpkin Focaccia Preparation

First, clean and cut the pumpkin into cubes of about 1/2 inch. Steam for about 15 minutes or until tender.
Let it cool and mash it with a fork until it becomes a puree.
Now pour the all-purpose flour, Manitoba flour, salt, sugar, and half a packet of dry yeast into a stand mixer, then add the pumpkin puree.
Warm the milk in the microwave for 20 seconds, then add 2 tbsps of olive oil.
Start the mixer and gradually pour in the milk and oil mixture.
Once you’ve obtained a nice compact and smooth dough, remove it from the mixer and knead by hand for another 5 minutes.
Place the dough in a slightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for a couple of hours. (You can also let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on.)
After the 2 hours of rising, transfer the dough to a 12-13 inch diameter baking pan previously greased with 2 tbsps of olive oil.
Spread the dough with your hands and let it rise for another hour.
In the meantime, prepare the brine by pouring water, oil, and salt into a container. Mix and add a sprig of rosemary.
Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
After the final hour of rising, pour the brine over the focaccia and make dimples with your fingertips so the brine can seep in.
Bake in a preheated oven at 446°F for 12 minutes.
And voilà… your pumpkin focaccia is ready to be enjoyed.