It seems like you’re referring to “Croquant,” a type of French bread known for its crispy crust and tender interior. Here’s a basic recipe to make homemade Croquant bread:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead the dough in the stand mixer on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a ball.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough ball in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper that has been sprinkled with cornmeal.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped loaf with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until it puffs up slightly.
- Preheat the Oven:
- About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an empty metal baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Score the Dough:
- Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the top of the loaf.
- Bake the Bread:
- Just before placing the bread in the oven, pour about 1 cup of hot water into the empty metal baking pan to create steam in the oven.
- Place the baking sheet with the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Transfer the baked Croquant bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade Croquant bread with your favorite spreads or as a side to soups and salads!