3sprigsfresh rosemary(plus extra for decorating the loaf)
10g (2 tsp)instant yeast
1teaspoonsugar
5cupsflour
1teaspoonssalt
1cupfinely grated Pecorino
3tbspolive oil
1cupwarm water(you might not need this water, but it's good to have handy if the dough seems too dry)
Instructions
Peel and chop the potatoes. Place in a pot with the rosemary and season with salt. Add water to just cover the potatoes then bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are soft then reserve 2 cups of cooking water and drain. Mash the potatoes and allow to cool.
Combine the cooled potato water, sugar and yeast and allow to stand until frothy.
Combine the flour, salt and Pecorino in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
Pour the yeast mixture, mashed potato and olive oil into the bowl and start kneading. Allow to knead until the dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl. Continue kneading on medium speed for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth. If the dough is very sticky, add a few tablespoons of flour, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and soft. Alternatively, if the dough is too dry, add a few tablespoons of warm water.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Place in a warm spot and allow to rise for 45 mins - 1 hour.
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
After an hour, punch down the dough down then form into a ball. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper and place in an oven-proof pot. Allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
Place in the oven and allow to bake for 30-45 minutes until the loaf is golden brown, crusty and sounds hollow when tapped at the bottom.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing and serving.