French bread, also known as baguette, is a long, thin loaf of bread that is characterized by its crispy crust and chewy interior. Making French bread at home may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it can be easy to achieve a delicious homemade loaf.
Ingredients:
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
- 7g instant yeast
- 350ml water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- Slowly add in the water, using your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the dough until it comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin shape, about 20-25cm long.
- Place the loaves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and make diagonal slashes on the top of each loaf.
- Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 230C/450F.
- Once the oven is hot, place the baking tray in the oven and bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Making French bread at home requires patience and practice, but with these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to make a delicious homemade loaf in no time. Enjoy your fresh, crispy and chewy baguette with butter, cheese or with your favourite sandwich fillings.