Pain de Campagne

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Pain de Campagne, also known as French Country Bread, is a traditional French sourdough bread. It’s typically made with a combination of white flour, whole wheat flour, and sometimes rye flour, giving it a rustic texture and flavor. The dough is leavened with a natural sourdough starter, which gives it a tangy taste and a chewy crumb.

Here’s a basic recipe for Pain de Campagne:

Ingredients:

  • 500g bread flour
  • 100g whole wheat flour
  • 50g rye flour
  • 350-400ml water
  • 10g salt
  • 150g active sourdough starter

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and rye flour.
  2. In a separate container, dissolve the sourdough starter in the water.
  3. Pour the sourdough starter mixture into the flour mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes (autolyse).
  5. After the autolyse, add the salt to the dough and knead it until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size. You can also let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for a longer fermentation.
  7. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it and shape it into a round loaf.
  8. Place the shaped loaf on a floured baking sheet or in a proofing basket, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for another 1-2 hours, or until it has increased in size by about 50%.
  9. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
  10. Once the loaf has finished its final rise, slash the top with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow for expansion during baking.
  11. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  12. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pain de Campagne with your favorite spreads, cheeses, or as a side to soups and salads!

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