Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 55 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
357 | 9.5g | 1.7g | 62.2g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
8.3g | 7.7g | 7.5g | 0.56g |
About Gluten-Free Pain de Campagne
Welcome to the rustic world of Gluten-Free Pain de Campagne. Straight from the traditional French countryside to your home, this earthy bread with its characteristic deep brown crust and hearty flavor invites you to a new kind of gluten-free gastronomic journey. As genuine as it is healthy, our Gluten-Free Pain de Campagne honors the classics while catering to modern dietary preferences.
Embracing Tradition and Taste
An integral part of French gastronomy, Pain de Campagne, or ‘French country bread,’ is a long-time staple of the rural communities in France. Unlike its sister breads, such as the famous Baguette, Pain de Campagne is known for its stronger, slightly tangy flavor and denser crumb. What sets our variant apart is that it brings the same authentic experience, minus the gluten!
Celebrating Flexibility
What’s remarkably delightful about this gluten-free loaf is its versatility. Exceptionally delicious on its own, it also serves as a fantastic side to a multitude of dishes. From classic French Salade Niçoise or a cozy bowl of Coq au Vin, to Italian Eggplant Parmigiana – Gluten-Free Pain de Campagne complements and enhances the taste profiles of these recipes. Plus, it doesn’t stop at the savories. Imagine pairing this earthy bread with sweet preserves or butter and honey. Your tastebuds are in for a treat!
Remarkable Ingredients
When it comes to the ingredients of this loaf, it truly represents a fusion of traditional practices and modern nutritional awareness. We combine the wholesome goodness of gluten-free flour blend with the fibrous advantage of whole psyllium husks. Enhancing the natural flavors with mild honey, the olive oil imparts a mild richness. We also deploy the tried-and-true raising agent – yeast, along with apple cider vinegar to create those desirable air pockets that make the bread delightfully light despite its hearty character.
Unlike most commercial bread, which contains scores of additives, this Gluten-Free Pain de Campagne echoes the purity of artisan and homemade bread. It also nods to a gourmet touch, by using egg whites and a dusting of cornmeal to elevate the texture and taste.
Eating this loaf is like venturing into the heart of the French countryside. The flavors, traditional craft, and modern tweaks in ingredients make it a feast for the senses, while the gluten-free composition ensures anyone can enjoy this classic. So why wait? Let’s start baking!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of gluten-free flour blend
- 1/4 cup of whole psyllium husks
- 1 cup of warm water (around 100°F)
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) of active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 3 egg whites
- Cornmeal for dusting
Method
Step One
Start by taking a large bowl and mix in the gluten-free flour blend and whole psyllium husks together.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, stir together the warm water and yeast and leave it to sit for around 5 to 10 minutes. It’s ready when it is frothy on top.
Step Three
Add the honey, olive oil, salt, and apple cider vinegar to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
Step Four
Now, gradually add the flour and psyllium mixture into the yeast mixture, stirring continuously as you pour. Apply some elbow grease and make sure it’s thoroughly mixed—you want a smooth and consistent dough!
Step Five
Next, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This should take around 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Delicately fold these into the dough mixture until evenly dispersed.
Step Six
Leave your dough to rise. Cover the bowl with a clean dish cloth and place it in a warm, draft-free location. Leave it for about an hour. The dough should increase by about 50% in size.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly sprinkle some cornmeal onto a baking sheet.
Step Eight
After the dough has risen, gently shape it into a round loaf. Be cautious! Over-handling the dough at this stage can cause it to deflate. Once shaped, gently place it onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step Nine
Bake your bread in the preheated oven for around 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it turns a beautiful golden brown color and makes a hollow sound when you tap on the bottom of the loaf.
Step Ten
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free Pain de Campagne!