Ingredients
For the Focaccia
3 ½ cups bread flour
½ cup all purpose flour
¼ oz instant yeast
420 g purified or spring water
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tbsp. olive oil
For the Toppings
Pitted Frescatrano olives
Extra virgin olive oil
Flaky sea salt
For the Pistachio Pesto
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 - 2 tbsp. toasted pistachios
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 - 3 garlic cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Sandwich
2 teaspoons garlic and herb butter
1 tomato slice
1 Mozzarella di Bufala
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ avocado, sliced
Olive oil
Fresh spring mix
Directions
Step 1
Begin by mixing the bread flour, all-purpose flour, instant yeast and water. Allow this mixture to rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 2
Add salt and olive oil. Knead the dough until it's smooth – roughly around 5 minutes – and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 3
Dip your hands in water and perform a series of coil folds on the dough every half hour over a period of 2 hours. Then, pop it in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
Step 4
On baking day, prep a baking pan lined with parchment paper with a little olive oil spray.
Step 5
Place the dough in the middle, stretch and fold it, then flip it over to let the smooth side face up. Let it proof for about 2 hours.
Step 6
Preheat the oven to 445 F.
Step 7
Before it hits the oven, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the dough and poke dimples into it with your fingers.
Step 8
Sprinkle over some flaky sea salt and scatter the pitted Frescatrano olives. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it's a gorgeous golden brown color. Let it cool before slicing.
Step 9
As the focaccia cools, get the Pistachio Pesto ready: Combine the fresh basil, toasted pistachios, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and salt in a food processor until it forms a paste.
Step 10
Assemble the sandwich: Slice the focaccia into sandwich-sized pieces.
Step 11
On the inside, spread a layer of the garlic and herb butter and lightly toast it in a skillet.
Step 12
Add a layer of homemade pistachio pesto, followed by a fresh tomato slice seasoned with salt and pepper.
Step 13
Layer on Mozzarella di Bufala and the sliced avocado, then drizzle some olive oil and a pinch of chili flakes.
Step 14
Finish it off with a handful of crisp spring mix and the top piece of focaccia. Now repeat with the remaining ingredients. Enjoy!
