TOMATO & EGGPLANT FOCACCIA BREAD

Tomato & Eggplant Focaccia Bread image

Provided by Lizzie Rodriquez

Categories Breads

Time 2h20m

Yield 1 loaf, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/4 ounces active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups warm water, about 100 to 110 degrees
4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup eggplant, peeled, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 teaspoons capers
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
16 kalamata olives, chopped, pitted
5 plum tomatoes, about a pound, thinly sliced

Steps:

To prepare dough, dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 3 1/2 cups of flour, 3 tablespoons basil, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1 teaspoon salt; stir just until moist.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands.
Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Divide dough in half. Working with 1 portion at a time (cover remaining dough to keep from drying), roll each half into a 10-inch circle on a pizza pan or baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
To prepare tapenade, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add eggplant; cook 8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Place eggplant mixture in a food processor. Add 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons basil, and next 4 ingredients basil through olives); pulse 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl once.
Uncover dough. Spread 1/4 cup tapenade over each focaccia. Arrange tomatoes evenly over tapenade. Spread remaining tapenade over tomatoes. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.