| Prep: 2 hours 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 1g | 0g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0g | 2g | 7g | 0.78g |
About Pain d’épi
Welcome to the exquisite experience of the French countryside with our Pain d’épi, also affectionately known as ‘wheat stalk bread’. Drawing inspiration from the iconic wheat fields that lace the French vista, this bread is a scrumptious journey into both taste and aesthetics.
An Ode to Simplicity
The Pain d’épi is a testament to how simplicity can often give rise to the most extraordinary results. It harbors the classic ingredients like active dry yeast, warm water, sugar, and salt, and then infuses them with the finely milled bread flour to create a bread that is not just visually appealing, but also lusciously soft and aromatic. A dusting of cornmeal lends it an added crunch. The magic of the Pain d’épi begins and ends with its minimalist yet powerful ingredient list. A recipe here can guide through the process.
Culinary Versatility
The beauty of Pain d’épi lies not only in its delightful texture and taste but also in its versatility. This bread has a fluffy interior that makes it perfect for sopping up rich sauces or soups. Try it with a traditional French onion soup or a hearty beef bourguignon, and you will be transported to a rustic French village in no time. It’s also a standout choice for sandwiches or as a side for a selection of cheeses. Find a French soup recipe here.
If you’ve ever had a traditional baguette, you will find the Pain d’épi’s taste familiar yet distinguished. This is because it is essentially a variation of the classic French baguette. But the unique shaping technique, designed to resemble a wheat stalk, gives it its iconic look and a different crust to crumb ratio, resulting in a distinct eating experience.
Love at First Bake
Making Pain d’épi at home is a novel adventure. It may require a little attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. From preparing the dough and watching it rise, to fashioning it into the shape of a wheat stalk, every step of the process is engaging and incredibly satisfying. And the final pleasure, of course, is in tucking into the warm, fresh, and crunchy Pain d’épi straight out of the oven.
However, remember that the real essence of baking is not just in following the recipe to its last detail, but in enjoying the process. The secret ingredient is not in our list, but rather in the joy and love you pour into the act. So, grab your baker’s apron and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together! Get started with this detailed guide from Martha Stewart.
What You’ll Need
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 1/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- Cornmeal for dusting
Method
Step One
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water that’s between 110° to 115° Fahrenheit. Add sugar to this mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the salt and 3 1/4 cups of bread flour. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir these ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
Step Three
Place the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Incorporate additional flour as needed to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface.
Step Four
Put the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This should take approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Step Five
Remove the towel and punch down the dough to deflate it. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 14-inch long rope.
Step Six
Place these ropes on a baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Using a pair of scissors, make diagonal cuts along the length of each rope, pulling each cut section to an alternating side to create the shape of a wheat stalk.
Step Seven
Cover the shaped loaves with a towel and allow them to rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
Step Eight
Preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit. Just before your loaves go into the oven, sprinkle them with a little water. Bake them for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
