Spianata
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lard
- 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 ounces artichoke hearts, julienned
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, in all
- 3 tablespoons dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups fresh Ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the yeast, 2 tablespoons of the flour, and 1/4 cup of the warm water together.
- Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Beat in 2/3 cup of the flour and water.
- The batter should be very elastic.
- Seal the sponge with plastic wrap and let sit for 7 to 8 hours.
- Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, blend 2 cups of flour and salt.
- Add half the sponge, olive oil and the lard.
- Beat for 5 minutes on low speed for the gluten to develop.
- Turn the speed to medium and mix until the dough starts coming up the sides.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise for 3 hours or until double in size.
- Lightly grease a 14 to 16 inch pizza pan.
- Punch the dough down.
- Press the dough out, to fit the pan.
- Cover the pan and let rise until double in size, about 3 hours.
- In a saute pan, heat the 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, saute the artichokes and onions for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon garlic and wine and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the artichokes are soft.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Fresh Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, remaining garlic, and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Raise the heat to 450 degrees and bake the bread for 10 minutes.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the bread and top with the sauteed artichokes.
- Sprinkle with remaining olive oil.
- Return the heat of the oven to 400 degrees.
- Bake for additional 15 minutes or until the bread is crisp.
- Place the bread on a platter and slice.
yeast, flour, warm water, salt, olive oil, lard, extravirgin olive oil, hearts, onions, garlic, white wine, ricotta cheese, cheese, parsley, chives
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/spianata-recipe.html (may not work)