Potato-Leek Focaccia

By draingal

Ingredients

• 2 large baking potatoes, peeled
• Salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 6 large leeks, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1/8 inch thick
• 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 pound Emmental cheese, diced
• Coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons white truffle oil

Details

Servings 12
Preparation time 50mins
Cooking time 240mins
Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

Make the Dough
In a saucepan, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 25 minutes; drain. Rice or finely mash. Measure out 1 1/3 cups of potatoes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the yeast with the warm water and 1/2 cup of the flour. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand for about 25 minutes, until the mixture is frothy.

Make the Dough

In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the yeast mixture with the mashed potatoes, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt and the remaining 3 cups of flour at medium speed for 2 minutes. Switch to a dough hook and knead until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat. Let stand, covered, in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, Make the Topping

In a skillet, cook the leeks with the thyme, salt and sugar in the olive oil over moderate heat, stirring, until caramelized, 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, Make the Topping

Lightly oil an 11-by-17-inch baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and press to form an 11-by-17-inch rectangle. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil; let stand, loosely covered, in a warm, draft-free spot until puffy, about 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, Make the Topping

Preheat the oven to 425°. Using your fingers, make indentations all over the dough surface. Top with the leeks, cheese, sea salt and 1 tablespoon of the truffle oil.

Meanwhile, Make the Topping

Bake the focaccia on the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Transfer the focaccia to a rack and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of truffle oil. Let stand for 30 minutes to cool slightly. Slice into squares and serve.