🌿 Sourdough Fougasse

This fragrant, rustic bread is shaped like a golden leaf. It can also look like a spooky ghost if you are baking in October. The bread is soft inside and crisp on the edges. It’s the perfect way to use your sourdough starter. It fills your kitchen with the smell of fresh herbs and olive oil.

Recipe adapted from Healing Slice with gratitude for her beautiful inspiration.

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Ingredients

Dough

• ½ cup active sourdough starter
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 ¾ cups bread flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Topping

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh or dried herbs
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, water, and olive oil until the starter dissolves. Add the flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Knead the dough for 3–5 minutes until it starts to come together. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and rest 30 minutes.
   Do two stretch-and-folds about 30 minutes apart to build strength and structure.
3. Let the dough rest in a warm spot. I have to put a few towels over the bowl because our home is chilly. Wait until it is doubled in size (6-8 hours).
4. Once risen, cover and refrigerate overnight for easier shaping and deeper flavor.
5. Turn the cold dough onto a floured surface. Divide into 4–6 pieces. Gently stretch each piece into a leaf or teardrop shape. You can also form a ghost by making 3 slits with a knife. Stretch the slits slightly bigger than you would like the holes to be. Transfer each piece to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   Cover and let rest 30–45 minutes.
6. Brush each piece with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs and salt.
   Bake at 375°F for 15–17 minutes, or until golden and crisp on the edges.
7. Cool slightly before serving. This bread is a wonderful addition to an autumn soup or stew.

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Bread-making has always felt like prayer to me – slow, intentional, alive. Each fold and rise reminds us that rest brings growth, and warmth brings renewal. May your kitchen be filled with peace as you bake.🌾

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