Are you craving the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but running short on time? Look no further than our recipe for Quick Sourdough French Bread. This delicious recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavor and convenience, allowing you to enjoy the taste of homemade bread without a lengthy fermentation process. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can have a crusty loaf of sourdough French bread ready to be enjoyed in no time.
Quick Sourdough French Bread
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– Cornmeal, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast in the starter.
2. Add the salt to the mixture and gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a little additional flour as needed.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or overturned baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well. Sprinkle cornmeal over a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it by pressing down on it. Shape the dough into a baguette by rolling it out and tapering the ends slightly.
7. Transfer the shaped loaf onto the prepared baking sheet. Make diagonal slashes on top of the loaf using a sharp knife.
8. Place the baking sheet inside the preheated oven on top of the heated baking stone or sheet. Quickly add a cup of hot water to a separate oven-safe dish at the bottom of the oven to create steam and help develop a crisp crust.
9. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your Quick Sourdough French Bread warm with a pat of butter or your favorite dip.
With this simple recipe, you can satisfy your bread cravings in a pinch. The tangy flavor of the sourdough combined with the crusty exterior and soft interior of this French bread will surely make it a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup or enjoying it as a standalone snack, this Quick Sourdough French Bread is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!
