Crusty French Bread

We can’t decide if it’s the aroma of bread being baked or the actual bread that entices us more. Till we come to a conclusion we will continue to bake bread at home and the Crusty French Bread is one of our favourites. Try it out for yourself!

Prep Time: 45 minutes + 30 minutes baking

Caters To: Makes 1 loaf

Challenge Level: Beginner

From The Pantry:

• 1 cup warm water
• ½ tablespoon yeast
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ½ tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups refined flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• Sprinkle of cornmeal (optional)

Cook Away

1. Mix the yeast and sugar with warm water in a large bowl, and give the yeast time to proof for about 7-8 minutes until it foams.
2. Add in salt, oil, and refined flour and mix for 2 minutes.
3. Add in the whole wheat flour to make a stiff dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, to make it smooth and elastic.
5. Place the ball of dough in an oiled bowl, turn it around so that all sides are coated with oil.
6. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise till it’s doubled.
7. Shape the dough into a slender loaf.
8. Grease a baking tray or french bread pan and sprinkle with cornmeal (optional).
9. Place the loaf on a tray and make diagonal gashes on top. Leave it in a warm spot to rise further.
10. Pre-heat the oven to 190C and bake the loaf for about 30 minutes.
11. Spray a little water during baking for an additional crust on the bread.

The loaf is now ready to scoop up with sauce!

Featured Image Courtesy: kingarthurflour.com