This is a very non-fussy bread dough that is whipped together, kneaded for a bit, and then spread into a large baking sheet.  The dough is baked at a high temperature until golden brown, then brushed with a simple mixture of olive oil and salt which gives the outer layer a delicious texture and flavor.  Enjoy this bread with your favorite pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
• 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup warm water

Directions:

In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix in the garlic and herbs. Pour in the water and olive oil and mix until the dough comes together, by hand or with a dough hook attachment, if using a stand mixer. Knead the dough until it has pulled away from the sides of the bowl (adding additional flour only if necessary – the dough will get less sticky as it kneads), about 4-6 minutes. The dough should be soft and pliable but not overly stiff. Likewise, it shouldn’t leave a lot of sticky dough residue on your fingers. The goal is a soft, supple dough.

Cover the bowl with lightly greased plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 30 minutes, until it is puffy. Deflate dough and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a large, rimmed baking sheet and with your hands, spread the dough out roughly an 8?x10? rectangle. Use your knuckles or fingertips to make indentations over the dough, about every 1/2 inch. Lightly brush dough’s surface with olive oil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Immediately after removing from the oven, stir together 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and brush over the surface of the hot bread. Tear or slice into pieces and serve.

Recipe from Mels Kitchen Cafe