Fougasse
History
Originally, in the Middle Ages, fougasse was a brioche dough that bakers put in their oven to test the temperature. It was often used as a snack for the bakers. Little by little, they began to add different ingredients to it and the fougasse was eventually born!
Varieties and Flavours
This flat bread has a soft crust and a thick, chewy crumb and is sculpted during its preparation to form several branches. It is made with wheat or beige flour, water, baker's yeast and olive oil. It can be garnished with olives, onions, anchovies, bacon, cheese, tomato sauce, mushrooms and Provencal herbs. The ingredients can be mixed into the preparation, or placed on the surface of the bread before baking.
A sweet and brioche version of fougasse can be found in the Southern Alps, in Grasse (the delicious fougassette!) and in Aigues-Mortes. It is one of the thirteen Christmas desserts.
The Question on Everyone's Mind
Where does 'fougasse' get its name?
The word 'fougasse', or focaccia, is derived from the Latin phrase 'panis focacius', which means 'flat bread baked on a hearth or under the ashes of a fire'.
How to Eat It
In the South, it is part of every aperitif! It can also be served as a main course with a green salad.
A Recipe
Fougasse with Chorizo and Cheese:
|
Preparation time 20 mins Resting time: 2 hours Cooking time: 40 mins Difficulty: easy Cost: € |
Ingredients for 4 people: 400g flour |
- Put the flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil and salt in a large bowl and knead until the dough is smooth.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave the dough to rest for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Cut the chorizo into cubes and fry them over a high heat for 3 minutes. Place on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Beat the air out of the dough: place it on the work surface, then press it with the palm of your hand to stretch it before turning it over. Continue to knead it in this way and your dough will gradually become more supple.
- Add the chorizo cubes to your dough.
- Roll out your dough on a baking sheet covered with baking paper.
- Make a few incisions with scissors.
- Sprinkle the surface with grated cheese.
- Bake at 180 °C for 40 minutes.
- Take the fougasse out of the oven and let it cool!
- Enjoy!
Where to Buy It
In your favourite bakery, or at the market!
