Crusty French Baguettes 4 Hour Recipe No Starter Necessary from allourway.com
Introduction
French baguettes are one of the most iconic breads in the world. They are known for their crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, with a little bit of practice and patience, anyone can create delicious homemade baguettes. This recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Ingredients
To make French baguettes, you will need the following ingredients:
500g bread flour
10g salt
7g active dry yeast
350ml lukewarm water
Note:
It is important to use bread flour, as it has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour. This protein is what helps create the gluten structure that gives baguettes their chewy texture.
Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Step 2: Slowly add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Step 4: Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or a heavy baking sheet in the oven to preheat. Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into three equal pieces. Step 7: Roll each piece of dough into a long, thin cylinder, about 14 inches (35cm) in length. Step 8: Place the baguettes on a floured baking sheet or baguette pan, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for another 30 minutes. Step 9: Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make three or four diagonal slashes across the top of each baguette. Step 10: Place the baguettes on the preheated baking stone or sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Step 11: Let the baguettes cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
One serving of French baguette (approx. 2 oz) contains:
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 0.5g
Sodium: 330mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Conclusion
Making French baguettes at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. While it may take some practice to perfect your technique, the end result is well worth it. Whether you enjoy your baguette with butter, cheese, or simply on its own, it is sure to impress. So why not give this recipe a try and add a touch of France to your next meal?