Mash the yeast with a little of the water until it looks like mud. Add the sugar and leave for 10 minutes until frothy.
Put the rest of the water, the flour, a little of the salt and the olive oil into a large bowl. When the yeast is frothy, add that too. Knead thoroughly for about 5 minutes. cover with a clean, damp tea towel or cling film and leave it in the bowl in a warm place for about 30 minutes. It will double in size.
Take the dough out, put on a board, cut it in half and spread so you have two dinner plate-sized pieces. Sprinkle the rest of the salt over the top, then add the rosemary or sage leaves, patting them into the dough.
Put the loaves into a hot oven, gas mark 7, 400F, 200C for about 20 minutes.
The bread will only rise marginally and will have a lovely pale golden top.
|
|
