Pà de Pagès (Country Bread) (Andorra)

Pà de Pagès is a rustic and crusty country bread that hails from Andorra, known for its thick crust and chewy interior. This artisanal bread is typically made with a mixture of whole wheat and white flours, which gives it a hearty texture and rich flavor. To create it, a sponge is prepared and allowed to ferment to develop depth of flavor, followed by kneading with additional flour, water, salt, and sometimes a hint of sugar to enhance the yeast's work. After a series of rises and folds to build structure, the dough is shaped into round or oval loaves, scored, and baked to golden perfection in a hot oven. Pà de Pagès is a staple on the Andorran table, often served to accompany meals or enjoyed with a spread of butter or local cheeses.