Flatbread with Eggs and Olives (French Fougasse)

In French cuisine, fougasse is a type of bread typically associated with Provence but found (with variations) in other regions. It is the French version of the Italian focaccia bread, topped with mixed herbs. The flat bread can be slashed to form shapes (a leaf, tree, or wheat stalk), or the slits can be cut to form a lattice, making the bread easy to pull apart.

2⅔ cups all-purpose flour, unbleached, sifted
1 tsp. yeast
2 eggs
1 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
½ cup green olives, sliced

Put the flour in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over ¼ cup (60 mL) warm water in a bowl. Stir ¼ cup (60 g) flour from the large bowl into it to make a paste. Let sit until it starts to foam, about 10 minutes.

Make a well in the flour. Crack in the eggs, and add the sea salt, oil, and rosemary. Pour in ¼ cup (60 mL) water and mix. Finally, add the yeast starter to combine, and gradually draw in the flour to make dough. Add the rosemary and olives and knead into smooth dough. Place in a bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place one hour.

Punch down the dough and roll into a thin rectangle, using a rolling pin. Place on a baking sheet (you can scatter cornmeal underneath if you like). Cut three slits down each side, to give the bread a leaf look. Separate the slits with your fingers to make long holes. Let the bread rise a half hour.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C/180°C fan, Gas Mark 6).

Brush the top of the bread with a little egg wash if you like (egg and water whisked together), then bake until risen and golden, about 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven, and let cool 10 minutes at least before serving.