Fougasse de Sainte-Dévote
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Plain flour — 4 cups (500 g / 1 lb 2 oz)
- Active dry yeast — 1.5 tsp
- Warm water — 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz)
- Sugar — 1/2 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz)
- Olive oil — 1/4 cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
- Orange blossom water — 1 tbsp
- Anise seeds — 1 tsp
- Salt — 1/2 tsp
- Extra sugar, for sprinkling
Method
- Dissolve the yeast and a pinch of the sugar in the warm water and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine the flour, remaining sugar and salt in a large bowl, then add the olive oil, orange blossom water, anise seeds and yeast mixture.
- Knead for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled.
- Shape into a large flat oval and place on a baking tray, cutting several decorative slashes across the top.
- Sprinkle generously with sugar.
- Let rise for a further 25–30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden.
Introduction: A festive sweet bread traditionally broken and shared during the celebrations honouring Monaco’s patron saint, Sainte Dévote.
Cultural Background: Sainte Dévote’s feast day, celebrated each January, is one of Monaco’s most significant civic and religious occasions, and this fougasse is traditionally blessed and broken by the reigning Prince as part of the ceremony, symbolising unity and shared celebration among the Monégasque people.
Tips: Make this in a larger size than the everyday breakfast fougasse, reflecting its role as a shared, ceremonial bread. Let the dough rise fully at each stage for the best texture.
Variations: Some households add a handful of chopped dried fruit to the dough. Serve alongside other festive treats as part of the wider Sainte Dévote celebrations.
Storage: Store at room temperature wrapped in a cloth for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Not typically reheated; enjoyed at room temperature as part of the celebration.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 260 kcal, 6 g protein, 6 g fat, 46 g carbohydrate.
FAQs:
Q: When is Sainte Dévote’s feast day?
A: It is celebrated on 27 January each year, one of Monaco’s
Q: What is the significance of breaking the bread?
A: It symbolises shared community and unity,
- Plain flour — 4 cups (500 g / 1 lb 2 oz)
- Active dry yeast — 1.5 tsp
- Warm water — 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz)
- Sugar — 1/2 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz)
- Olive oil — 1/4 cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
- Orange blossom water — 1 tbsp
- Anise seeds — 1 tsp
- Salt — 1/2 tsp
- Extra sugar, for sprinkling
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