Ingredients

  • 1 large (at least 700g) sourdough boule (day-old is best)
  • 1 large (approx 15cm) wheel of brie or camembert
  • 3 garlic heads, separated into cloves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley

Method

  • To make the caramelised garlic topping, blanch unpeeled garlic cloves in a saucepan of boiling water for 5 minutes, until just soft (test by pushing the tip of a sharp knife into the garlic; it should slide in easily).
  • Refresh in cold water.
  • Peel garlic and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil until shimmering in a heavy frying pan over a medium heat.
  • Add garlic and saute for 1 minute, taking care not to burn.
  • Add water and balsamic vinegar and as the mixture bubbles, add sugar, salt, pepper and rosemary.
  • Reduce the heat to its lowest setting and simmer for approximately 34 minutes until a syrup has formed and garlic is soft.
  • Transfer to a bowl.
  • Using a fork, mash the caramelised garlic to a spreadable paste that is a little rough in texture, not like a puree.
  • Set aside until needed.
  • Place the brie wheel on top of the loaf.
  • Using a small sharp knife, cut around the outside circumference of the brie, then remove it and set it aside.
  • Cut a disc out of the loaf, about 5mm deeper than the depth of the brie.
  • Place the brie in the cavity in the loaf, then spread the caramelised garlic over the top.
  • Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  • Place loaf on prepared baking tray.
  • Bake in preheated 220 degrees oven for at least 20 minutes, until the loaf is crisp, the brie is melted throughout and the caramelised garlic topping is bubbling.
  • Remove loaf from oven and set aside for 1520 minutes before cutting and serving this is important, as the brie will still be runny inside and super-hot!
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and dig in.