Author Notes: This features not one but two of my favorite root vegetables. Both are pretty amazing in their own right. But by ‘undercooking’ one, and ‘overcooking’ the other, you get a ton more flavor and a perfect marriage.
I invented this last year while experimenting with seasonal ingredients to jazz up my usual focaccias, which I also sometimes call pizzettas-depending on their shape. —Anitalectric
Serves: 8
Ingredients
Marinated Sunchoke and Caramelized Onion Foccacia
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1
half-sheet-pan-size plain foccacia (homemade or store-bought)
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2
cups cashew ricotta (recipe below). Dairy lovers can subsititute Boursin cheese.
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1
pound sunchokes, scrubbed clean and sliced thinly into half-moons
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4
medium red onions, sliced
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1
cup chopped parsley
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1/4
cup chopped dill
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1/2
cup olive oil
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1
lemon, zest and juice
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1/4
cup rice wine vinegar
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salt and pepper, to taste
Cashew Ricotta
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1
pint raw cashews, soaked 3+ hours and rinsed
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1
clove garlic, chopped
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1
lemon, juiced
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2
tablespoons olive oil
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1
tablespoon fresh oregano
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1/4
teaspoon ground coriander
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1
teaspoon sea salt
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1
tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
Directions
Marinated Sunchoke and Caramelized Onion Foccacia
- Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil and caramelize the onions over medium-low heat until browned and sweet, about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and add a splash of water if necessary to unstick. Season to taste. (Sometimes I add a tablespoon of agave at the end for extra sweetness.) Transfer to a plate and allow to cool in the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, toss the sunchokes with olive oil, dill, lemon, vinegar, coriander, salt and pepper. Allow to marinate at least 5 minutes.
- Spread an even layer of the ricotta on the foccacia. Top with marinated sunchokes, caramelized onions & chopped parsley (in that order). Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Cut to desired size and serve chilled.
Cashew Ricotta
- Pulse the cashews and garlic together in a food processor until fine.
- Add remaining ingredients and pulse to a smooth, white consistency. Add a splash of water or two if necessary to get things moving.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Please note: this recipe makes double the ricotta that is called for above. Extra can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing not recommended.)