Stuffed French Bread
Ingredients: 500g flour 35g sugar (if you make it with savory filling) or 50g if you make it sweet 50g lard (I didn't have it and used butter, but I think it's better with lard) 15g salt 20g fresh yeast (I only had dry and used 2 teaspoons) 250g water
The dough is the basic element of this delicious recipe, and preparing it can be a real pleasure. I chose to use the bread machine to make my work easier, but if you prefer the traditional method of kneading the dough by hand, that is just as effective. It is important to use the right ingredients and to respect the proportions, but considering that flours can vary from region to region, you may need to adjust the amount of flour. Usually, my dough rises for about two hours, using the special dough setting of the machine, which ensures even fermentation and a perfect texture.
After the dough has risen, we roll it out on a clean surface, forming a rectangular sheet, which we imaginary divide into three equal parts. With a sharp knife or a blade, we cut thin strips along the side edge of each part, being careful not to cut through the entire dough, but to leave a central edge intact. These strips will be folded over the filling, creating an attractive and delicious appearance.
The filling is where you can be creative! I used what I had on hand in the fridge: slices of smoked ham, smoked bacon, mozzarella, grated parmesan, and red peppers. Feel free to add other ingredients you like, such as olives or gorgonzola cheese, which adds an intense and savory flavor. Once I filled each strip of dough, I take a strip from both sides and fold them over the filling, creating a type of twist that will look spectacular after baking.
For baking, I used two baking trays, as my dough was bulkier than a standard tray. It is essential to brush the surface with a mixture of beaten egg and a little milk, which will give a golden and shiny color. On top, I sprinkled sesame seeds, but I think next time I will also add a pinch of coarse salt for extra flavor. The oven should be preheated to 200°C (about 400°F), and the baking time varies between 30 and 35 minutes, depending on the oven. It is essential to carefully monitor the baking process, and when the dough becomes golden and crispy, it is time to take it out and let it cool slightly before enjoying it. This recipe not only brings a wonderful taste but also a pleasant experience in preparation!
