Taking it’s name from the type of bread favoured by the roman army, this is based on a Doves Farm recipe. I have modified the method rather than the ingredients, making it the simplest of loaves to make. The quantities I use are for one small loaf. If only all bread was this simple!

 Vegetarian

Ingredients

250g Wholemeal spelt flour – I used Dove Farm Organic

¼ tsp salt

1 level tsp Alison’s dried active yeast

½ tbsp. runny honey

200ml warm water

½ tbsp. olive oil

 Method

In a large bowl mix together the flour and salt. Carefully measure the water, whisking in the dried yeast and oil. Pour into the flour and knead well until it feels smooth and pliable. If it is a bit sticky some flour on the surface will help

Leave the dough in a bowl covered with a cloth, in a draught free place, to double       in size (about an hour).

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead the dough firmly for several minutes.

Shape the dough and put it into a 500g/1lb bread tin lined with baking parchment.or place it on an oiled baking sheet.

Cover and leave dough to rise for about 25 minutes in a warm place.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180C fan for 30 minutes.

This was really good and exactly as the Doves Farm photos showed. Seems as if the Romans knew a thing or two!