Ingredients

For the Poolish :
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1/2 cup warm water
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
For the Dough :
2 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
6 cups unbleached bread flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons cornmeal for dusting
Pain de Campagne, or Country French Bread, is a rustic and traditional French bread that has become a popular staple all around the world. The bread is made with a blend of whole wheat flour and unbleached bread flour which gives it a substantial texture, robust flavor, and a crisp crust. Pain de Campagne is the perfect bread for sandwiches or toast, and its rustic look makes it a great addition to your bread basket or dinner table. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious bread at home!

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, whisk together the ingredients for poolish, cover, and let stand for 12-14 hours at room temperature.
2.In a separate large bowl, whisk together warm water and yeast, then add in poolish and mix well.
3.Gradually add in bread flour and salt, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
4.Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, then place it in a large greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
5.Punch down the dough and shape it into a ball, then let it rise again for another hour.
6.Preheat the oven to 450°F and place a dutch oven inside to heat up.
7.Sprinkle cornmeal on a clean surface, then place the dough on it, sprinkle more cornmeal on top, and score the bread with a sharp knife.
8.Remove the preheated dutch oven from the oven, place the dough inside, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
9.Remove the cover and bake for another 20-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
10.Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

PROS

Rich in whole wheat flour, does not require many ingredients, perfect for sandwiches and toast

CONS

Requires a long ferment time

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Whole wheat flour used in Pain de Campagne offers various health benefits including being a good source of fiber, complex carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. This bread is a great alternative to those who opt for a healthier lifestyle.

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