Sourdough French Bread
Since receiving the recipe for the Sourdough Starter, I've made this French bread countless times. In fact, one year I donated 2 dozen loaves for a benefit dinner! These loaves rival any found in stores and can be made with relative ease. — Delila George, Junction City, Oregon
Since receiving the recipe for the Sourdough Starter, I've made this French bread countless times. In fact, one year I donated 2 dozen loaves for a benefit dinner! These loaves rival any found in stores and can be made with relative ease. — Delila George, Junction City, Oregon
- Carbohydrate 71.0216067266683 g
- Cholesterol 24.4800000206942 mg
- Fat 14.9813733341611 g
- Fiber 0.0176666666666667 g
- Protein 47.7433000403536 g
- Saturated Fat 1.67095333387368 g
- Serving Size 1 1 loaves (10 slices each). (218g)
- Sodium 4237.25934104355 mg
- Sugar 71.0039400600016 g
- Trans Fat 0.211273333367823 g
- Calories 611 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the Sourdough Starter, oil, sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough additional flour to form a soft ball.
- Turn onto a floured surface; gently knead 20-30 times (dough will be slightly sticky). Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
- Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each into a 12x8-in. rectangle. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch ends to seal. Place, seam side down, on two greased baking sheets; tuck ends under. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- With a sharp knife, make four shallow diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. In a small saucepan, combine water and cornstarch. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Brush some over loaves.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Brush loaves with the remaining cornstarch wash. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
The Joy of Homemade Sourdough French Bread
As a busy professional, finding time to bake is a luxury, but when I do, it’s usually something I’m truly passionate about. This Sourdough French Bread recipe is one of those precious moments. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a journey, a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. The aroma filling my kitchen as the bread bakes is enough to erase the day’s stresses, replacing them with feelings of warmth and accomplishment.
I first encountered this recipe from a friend – a fellow workaholic, if you will, who managed to juggle a demanding career with a passion for home baking. It was a revelation. The bread itself is extraordinary; crisp crust, soft and airy crumb. The taste is something else entirely. That rich, tangy sourdough flavor is unparalleled, a million miles away from the mass-produced loaves found in supermarkets. It’s not just about taste either – there’s a profound satisfaction in crafting something so beautiful and delicious from scratch. And that’s what makes this more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished routine, a mindful practice that allows me to de-stress after a long day. The precise steps, the rise time, the gentle kneading – it’s a calming rhythm that helps center me.
The best part? This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Sure, it requires a sourdough starter – but once you have that going, the bread itself is relatively simple to make. I've perfected the process over time, tweaking small elements here and there until I achieved a loaf that satisfies my discerning palate. There's a sense of ownership in this process that store-bought bread can't replicate. It's a unique bread, and a unique experience. It’s become a staple in my home, a way to connect with a simpler time, and to share a little bit of homemade love with family and friends.
Beyond its inherent deliciousness, this bread holds sentimental value. It’s been shared at gatherings, gifted to loved ones, and become the centerpiece of many special meals. The simple act of baking this bread, the anticipation of that first bite, the shared joy of breaking bread together – it's a feeling that binds people and reminds us of the importance of slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. It's more than just nourishment; it’s a symbol of warmth, connection, and the enduring power of homemade food. So next time you are looking for a way to unwind after a long day, or are simply yearning for something homemade and truly exceptional, give this Sourdough French Bread a try. It's a recipe worth the effort – and the memories it creates are priceless.
The process itself is almost meditative. The rhythmic kneading, the careful rising, the anticipation of the oven’s warmth – these are not just steps, but moments of quiet contemplation. And when the bread emerges from the oven, golden-brown and fragrant, it's a reward for the time and effort, a tangible manifestation of your efforts, and a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional baking methods. It's more than just a bread; it's an experience.
So, gather your ingredients, let your worries fade away, and embark on this wonderful journey of creating something delicious and wholesome. Trust me; this bread will become a treasured addition to your repertoire, a source of pride and a delicious way to share a little bit of love with those you cherish most.
This recipe, with its simplicity and impressive results, will become your new go-to recipe. It’s one that allows you to share the beauty of homemade bread with your loved ones. The rich aroma alone makes it worth the journey.
