History of Scarpaccia
Scarpaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread that originated in the Tuscany region of Italy. The name “scarpaccia” comes from the Italian word “scarpa,” which means “shoe.” This is because the bread is typically shaped like a shoe and is often served with a savory topping.
The first recorded recipe for scarpaccia dates back to the 14th century. The bread was originally made with a simple dough of flour, water, and salt. Over time, however, the recipe evolved to include other ingredients, such as olive oil, yeast, and herbs.
Scarpaccia was traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven. The bread would be placed on a hot stone or baking sheet and cooked until it was golden brown and crispy. Today, scarpaccia can be cooked in a regular oven or on a stovetop.
Preparation of Scarpaccia
Scarpaccia is a relatively easy bread to make. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare scarpaccia:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, yeast, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Place the dough circles on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the dough circles with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add your desired toppings. (See below for some topping ideas.)
- Bake the scarpaccia in a preheated oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the scarpaccia cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Topping Ideas for Scarpaccia
Scarpaccia can be topped with a variety of savory ingredients. Some popular topping ideas include:
- Vegetables: Sliced tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant
- Meats: Cooked bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef
- Cheeses: Mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta
- Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Other: Olives, capers, and anchovies
Serving Scarpaccia
Scarpaccia can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is often served with a side of marinara sauce or olive oil for dipping. Scarpaccia can also be used as a base for pizza or sandwiches.
