Bread
Fougasse French Style Flatbread
On December 24, 2023 by userFougasse is a traditional French flatbread that is often shaped to resemble an ear of wheat. It’s a delightful bread with a crispy crust and a soft interior, perfect for tearing and sharing. Here’s a simple recipe for making Fougasse:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Topping (Optional):
- Olive oil
- Herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)
- Coarse salt
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Knead the Dough:
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Shape the Fougasse:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a thin oval or rectangle.
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, make cuts in the dough to create the fougasse design. You can make leaf-like patterns or slashes to resemble wheat.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped fougasse on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Optional Toppings:
- Brush the surface of the fougasse with olive oil. Sprinkle herbs and coarse salt on top for added flavor.
- Bake:
- If you have a preheated pizza stone, carefully transfer the fougasse (with the parchment paper) onto the hot stone in the oven. Otherwise, bake it directly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the fougasse is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Allow the fougasse to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Fougasse as a side bread with dips, cheeses, or as a delightful accompaniment to a meal.
Fougasse is a wonderful bread to share, and its decorative shapes make it an attractive addition to any table. Enjoy the rustic charm and delicious taste of this French-style flatbread!