🇮🇹 Italian Cuisine · Street Food

Focaccia Genovese

Prep

20 mins

Cook

25 mins

Serves

8

Difficulty

Easy

Pillowy olive oil flatbread dimpled by hand and sprinkled with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary.

Ingredients

  • 400g sea bass fillets
  • 300g ciabatta bread
  • 2 tbsp sliced shallots
  • a pinch of cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup eggplant, sliced
  • a handful of fresh rosemary, chopped
  • extra-virgin olive oil, to taste
  • 400ml whole milk
  • a pinch of grated nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the arborio rice base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the guanciale, zucchini, sliced shallots, and grated nutmeg, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the arborio rice until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the guanciale mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 25 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the arborio rice with the filling, a spoonful of balsamic vinegar, and a scattering of rosemary.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of mascarpone for extra flavor and texture.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately while hot, with extra balsamic vinegar on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.

Double the balsamic vinegar so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.