Here is a simple baguette recipe that is easy to master. Baguettes take only 4 ingredients but the technique and proportions are what give it its characteristic appeal. With a little bit of patience and practice it will taste and look better than the store bought ones.
Course Bread
Cuisine French
Keyword Real Food, Sourdough Baguettes, Sourdough Bread
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Rising Time 4 hourshours
Total Time 5 hourshours
Servings 4Demi baguettes
Author Syama
Ingredients
3 1/4CHigh Protein AP Flour or Bread Flour(400g)
1CSourdough Starter (200g)
1CWater (250g)
1 3/4TspFine Sea Salt (9g)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl add the starter, flour, salt and water. Stir using a spatula till everything comes together into a shaggy mass. Cover with a towel and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
Uncover and knead for 5 to 10 minutes the dough feels smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl and lightly oil (optional) the insides. Form the dough into a ball and place in the bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place till doubled - 2 to 4 hours depending on the room temperature.
Punch down the dough. Flour a work surface and transfer the dough to it . Form into a rectangle and fold in thirds toward the middle starting from one one short side. Pinch the ends closed. Place the dough back in the bowl and let rise for 30 minutes. Repeat this process once more .
Divide the dough into 3 to 4 pieces depending on the size of the baguettes you want to make. Place each piece on a floured work surface and form baguettes (see pictures) . Cover a pizza peel or rimless baking sheet with a long sheet of parchment and place the shaped baguettes on it (see pics). Cover with a moist kitchen towel and let rise for about 30 minutes.
While the baguettes are rising preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a thick cookie sheet in the middle rack and and oven safe rimmed pan on the rack below.
Once the baguettes have almost doubled , make slashes on the top with a sharp knife. Spray some water on top of the loaves and transfer into the hot baking sheet. Place a cup of ice cubes in the bottom tray and close the oven door. Reduce the temperature to 400°F and let the bread bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes check and bake a few additional minutes till the crust reaches desired golden brown color.
Notes
The volume measurements are approximate
Use fed and active sourdough stater.
The starter is at 100% hydration i.e. equal parts flour and water by weight. Here is how to make your own starter.