September is a special month in the Val d’Orcia. The days begin to cool, a unique light bathes the hills surrounding our village of Monticchiello, and the familiar air of the grape harvest fills the space between the vineyard rows. It is the time when the countryside offers up one of its most beloved and iconic products: grapes.
Today we want to share our homemade recipe with you, made using our own flour, which gives the dough an unmistakable, rustic, old-fashioned aroma.
The Recipe for Focaccia with Grapes
Ingredients:
- Flour (Azienda Agricola Oppio Novo; availability depends on the seasonal harvest)
- Wine grapes (thoroughly washed and dried)
- Warm water
- Sourdough starter or fresh brewer’s yeast
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Cane sugar
- A pinch of salt
Preparation:
- The dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the flour, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Knead thoroughly until you have a soft, elastic dough.
- Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in volume.
- Assembly: Divide the dough into two parts, one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger piece onto an oiled baking sheet. Scatter a generous handful of whole grapes and a sprinkling of sugar over the surface.
- The second layer: Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the base, sealing the edges well with your fingers.
- Finishing touches: Finish by covering the top with the remaining grapes, another light dusting of sugar, and a generous drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil.
- Baking: Bake in a preheated static oven at 180°–190°C for about 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the grapes have released their caramelized juices.
Let it cool before enjoying it: this Focaccia is perfect for an afternoon snack or breakfast, perhaps accompanied by a nice hot infusion.
Do you know which herb makes the best herbal tea to enjoy with Focaccia with Grapes? Come and find out for yourself during the cool September evenings that herald the arrival of autumn by visiting our garden here at Azienda Oppio Novo in Monticchiello.
