Parisian baguette
Description
Parisian baguettes are practically a symbol not only of Paris but of all of France. Every year Paris holds competitions for the best baguette, and the winner is honored with the privilege of supplying baguettes to the Presidential Palace for a whole year. Of course, our baguettes are unlikely to enter that competition, but I guarantee you the pleasure of their look, taste, and crunch. Follow the step-by-step recipe—success is assured. Serve cooled or slightly warm.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
Pour water into a bowl for mixing dough, dissolve the salt, sugar, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of flour from the total amount in it. Mix and leave for 10–15 minutes to activate the yeast.
- 3
Step 3
Sift the flour.
- 4
Step 4
Mix the flour with the liquid base. Then knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes; the dough should end up smooth and not sticky to your hands.
- 5
Step 5
Divide the dough into three parts and roll each piece into a ball.
- 6
Step 6
Moisten a cloth with warm water, cover the dough, and let it rest for 40 minutes.
- 7
Step 7
After 40 minutes, the dough had increased in volume.
- 8
Step 8
Lightly dust the work surface with flour. Roll the dough into a sheet, then roll it up like a log in three turns. Pinch each turn firmly.
- 9
Step 9
Make the last pinch and stretch the piece to the length of the baking sheet—ideally 70 cm, but a home oven can only bake up to 40 cm in length.
- 10
Step 10
Arrange the baguettes on parchment, spaced apart. Lightly dust the tops with flour.
- 11
Step 11
Lift the parchment and form a pleated barrier between the baguettes. Along the sides, tuck rolled towels or napkins underneath. Cover the top with a dry napkin and leave at room temperature to proof for 1.5 hours.
- 12
Step 12
After 1.5 hours, pull the parchment apart to the sides and remove the towels.
- 13
Step 13
Using a razor blade or a sharp knife, score the baguettes. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees; place a baking sheet with water on the bottom rack. Put the baguettes in the hot oven and bake at 250 degrees on the top and bottom heat setting, then lower the temperature to 180 degrees, turn on convection as well, and bake for another 15–20 minutes.
- 14
Step 14
Place the baked baguettes on a rack and cool for about 20 minutes.
- 15
Step 15
Well, now the Parisian baguettes are fully ready—you can enjoy the crunch of these delicious baguettes yourself or treat your friends.