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Homemade French Bread
Homemade French Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 7 grams dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Preparation:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small cup, combine yeast and sugar. Add warm water, stir gently, and let it sit until the mixture doubles in volume.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or on a clean work surface, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously until smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, ensuring the bread’s structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread: Divide the dough into medium-sized portions. Shape each portion by flattening it with your palm, gently stretching it sideways, and folding two opposite sides towards the center. Stretch the corners to elongate the dough.
- Second Rise: Arrange the shaped bread portions on a baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and allow them to rise again until noticeably puffed up.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the bread for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on the outside and fully baked inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.
This homemade French bread recipe yields deliciously crusty bread with a soft interior, perfect for any occasion.