**Rustic French Bread: A Culinary Journey into the Heart of French Baking**
When it comes to classic culinary delights, few things can rival the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked rustic French bread. With its golden-brown crust, chewy interior, and slightly tangy flavor, this iconic bread has captivated taste buds for centuries. Originating from the heart of France, rustic French bread, also known as pain de campagne, is a staple in French cuisine and a beloved addition to any bread basket. This article presents a comprehensive guide to crafting this delectable bread at home, offering three distinct recipes that cater to varying preferences and skill levels. From the traditional French bread recipe that embodies the authentic taste of France to a beginner-friendly no-knead recipe and a tantalizing sourdough bread recipe bursting with tangy goodness, this article provides all the necessary knowledge and step-by-step instructions to create exceptional rustic French bread in the comfort of your own kitchen. Embark on this culinary journey and discover the joy of baking this timeless bread that will elevate any meal or gathering.
TRADITIONAL ARTISAN STYLE BAGUETTE - RUSTIC FRENCH BREAD
A traditional country-style French bread, made the old-fashioned way (although you can use the bread-machine if you wish). The result is a lovely full-flavored loaf with a wonderful crust. Best eaten the same day. Makes 2 baguettes.
Provided by BecR2400
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 32m
Yield 2 Baguettes, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place the yeast, honey and warm water in a large bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and the flour. Use a wooden spoon to stir 2 cups of the flour mixture into the yeast mixture; stir in the remaining flour mixture (dough will be stiff).
- Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead with floured hands until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Add a little flour, 1 tablespoon at a time as necessary, to prevent dough from sticking.
- Place in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap (or a clean kitchen towel) and leave to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
- Gently punch dough down to deflate it and shape into two oblong baguettes. Dust tops lightly with flour and place on a lightly greased baking sheet; let rise uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Use a serrated knife to cut 3-5 small diagonal slits across the tops of the baguettes, and lightly sprinkle with cool water.
- Bake in the middle of oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool.
- Best eaten the same day.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 476.7, Fat 1.4, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 1169, Carbohydrate 100.4, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 4.7, Protein 13.6
MARIANNE BAGUETTE - TRADITIONAL RUSTIC FRENCH BREAD
A traditional style baguette de Campagne - rustic French bread, which is easy to make and has lots of body - it is NOT like the usual light, supermarket produced baguettes of today. This bread can be started off in a bread machine if you wish. Marianne is the national symbol of France; she personifies Liberty, Reason & the Triumph of the Republic. She appears on stamps, government forms, town halls, law courts and the former French franc coins & banknotes; she even appears on high quality Label Rouge Baguettes and Pain!! Therefore, I have called this homemade French Bread/Baguette recipe after her.....it seems only right and proper!
Provided by French Tart
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h30m
Yield 2 Baguettes, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Put the ingredients into the bread machine. Set to the dough programme and start. Grease a large baking tray & Pre-heat oven to 220C/400°F.
- Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and punch it down to deflate it. Shape dough into two long "baguette" shaped loaves and place on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with lightly oiled cling-film and leave to rise for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, place an oven proof bowl containing water on the bottom of the oven to heat up. (About 250mls).
- Sprinkle top of dough with flour, then using a sharp knife cut 5 diagonal small slits across the tops of the baguettes.
- Bake for 15 minutes then reduce temperature to 190C/375F and bake for a further 10 - 15 minutes. (If they start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil on top.).
- Transfer to wire rack to cool.
- Eat immediately.
MARIANNE BAGUETTE - RUSTIC FRENCH BREAD
Steps:
- Directions 1. Put the ingredients into the bread machine. Set to the dough programme and start. Grease a large baking tray & Pre-heat oven to 220C/400°F. 2. Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and punch it down to deflate it. Shape dough into two long "baguette" shaped loaves and place on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with lightly oiled cling-film and leave to rise for about 30 minutes until doubled in size. 3. Meanwhile, place an oven proof bowl containing water on the bottom of the oven to heat up. (About 250mls). 4. Sprinkle top of dough with flour, then using a sharp knife cut 5 diagonal small slits across the tops of the baguettes. 5. Bake for 15 minutes then reduce temperature to 190C/375F and bake for a further 10 - 15 minutes. (If they start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil on top.). 6. Transfer to wire rack to cool. 7. Eat immediately.
RUSTIC FRENCH BREAD
From "The Joy of Cooking" latest edition. This is my first time baking with a sponge starter. It is very easy and it makes a delicious loaf. I have made twice already with great results! This makes 2 loaves.
Provided by ChefRed
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h5m
Yield 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Plan on making sponge first.
- I use active yeast and mix with water first to proof it. After 5 minutes, mix in flour with plastic or wood utensil until starter leaves side of bowl. I like to use a glass mason jar with lid. Let sit at least 6 hours in warm place until it triples, refrigerate if not using right away(take out and leave at room temperature for an hour before use).
- Mix in 4 1/2 cups of flour (I used 2 cups whole wheat and the rest white), water, sponge starter, salt. Knead for about 10 minutes. Dough should be sticky, but not stick to your hands. Place in lightly oiled bowl and turn over once to coat.
- Let rise until double in bulk (about 2-3 hours).
- Punch down and shape into 2 loaves on 2 cookies sheets dusted with flour.
- Place in warm place (I heat oven alittle and place in it .)Let rise until double.
- Preheat oven to 450. Place a small pan on lower shelf to hold 2 cups of boiling water. Score top of loaves with and x.
- Place boiling water in pan on lower shelf, place loaves on center shelf and bake for 40 minutes. I baked mine for 30. Bottom of bread should sound hollow. I agree as stated by reviewer, 450 degree was too high a temperature for full 40 minutes. I baked until golden brown all over for 30 minutes, turned off oven with bread inside for last 10 minutes directly on rack.
- Turn off oven and let sit for 10 minutes to develop crust. Take out and let cool off on cooling rack. I served with my recipe for roasted garlic.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Yeast: For baking French bread, choose active dry yeast or instant yeast. Active dry yeast should be dissolved in warm water (105-115°F) before using, while instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients.
- Handle the Dough Gently: Avoid overworking the dough, as this can result in a tough, dense loaf. Work the dough just enough to bring it together and form a smooth ball.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly: Both the first and second rise are essential for developing the dough's flavor and texture. Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment to promote proper fermentation.
- Score the Bread: Scoring the bread before baking allows steam to escape during baking, resulting in a crispy crust and optimal rise. Score the bread deeply and evenly across the top.
- Bake the Bread in a Hot Oven: Preheat the oven to a high temperature to create a blast of heat, which is crucial for the bread's initial rise. Reduce the temperature slightly after 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to bake evenly throughout.
- Cool the Bread Thoroughly: Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This helps the bread to set properly and develop its full flavor.
Conclusion:
This Rustic French Bread recipe provides step-by-step guidance for creating a delicious, artisanal loaf at home. By following these tips and techniques, you can craft a beautiful, golden-crusted bread with a tender, airy crumb. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of crafting this classic French bread and savor the delicious results with your loved ones. Remember to experiment with different flours, toppings, and techniques to create your own signature bread. Bon appétit!
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