La Baguette de Tradition Française
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~24 hours (includes long fermentation)
Servings: 2 baguettes
Country of Origin
France
Description
Legally protected by a 1993 French decree, this "Tradition" baguette is the gold standard of French baking. It must only contain four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast (or sourdough starter). It is mixed, fermented, and baked entirely on-site, with no additives and absolutely no freezing allowed.
Presentation & How It's Eaten
Served fresh and warm, ideally still crackling from the oven. It is traditionally torn by hand and eaten alongside meals to soak up sauces, or served with good butter and a slice of Comté cheese.
Ingredients
500g high-quality T65 or T55 wheat flour
350ml water (lukewarm)
10g sea salt
3g active dry yeast (or 50g active sourdough starter)
Step-by-Step Directions
Autolyse: Mix the flour and water until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes to develop gluten structure.
Knead: Add the yeast and salt. Knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Bulk Fermentation: Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 3 hours, performing a "fold" every 45 minutes to build strength.
Cold Proof: Place in the refrigerator overnight (12–18 hours). This slow fermentation is the secret to the deep flavor.
Shape: Divide into two pieces. Gently stretch into long, classic baguette cylinders without deflating the air bubbles. Proof on a floured cloth for 45 minutes.
Score and Bake: Preheat oven to 240°C (465°F) with a tray of water for steam. Score the top with 5 sharp diagonal cuts. Bake for 20 minutes until deep golden-brown.
Optional
Sourdough: Swap yeast for a mature sourdough starter to add a complex, tangy depth.
Cooking Tips
Use Steam: The secret to the shatteringly crisp crust is a burst of steam in the first 5 minutes of baking.
Respect the Decree: Never use preservatives or dough conditioners; rely on long fermentation time for texture.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving)
Calories: ~250 kcal
Total Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: ~480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 8g
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