| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 3.5g | 0.6g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 1.5g | 7g | 0.35g |
About Pistolet
Belgium, a country renowned for its sprawling culinary landscape, has given the world a gem that is the Pistolet. A charming, yet understated bread, the Pistolet often goes unnoticed amid the more elaborate offerings of artisan loaves within Belgian bakeries. However, those in the know will fully appreciate the discerning presence of the Pistolet in the bread basket.
The Make-Up of a Pistolet
Pistolet resembles a round and plump dinner roll, but it’s much more than an ordinary bread bun. Its earthy crust yields to a soft and airy crumb, competitive with the interior of the best baguettes. Pistolet becomes even more fascinating when considering the simple blend of ingredients used to bring it to life. A combination of unbleached all-purpose flour, instant yeast, warm water, vegetable oil, salt, and a pinch of sugar are the fundamental components of this bread’s anatomy. The characteristic glossy sheen of a Pistolet is achieved using an egg wash before the baking process, to give it that final touch of finesse.
The Versatility of Pistolet
For those who are familiar with the dinner roll, you might notice some similarities with our humble Pistolet. However, we prefer to highlight the unique characteristics of the Pistolet that make it an ideal companion to a plethora of dishes. A good dollop of butter spread on warm Pistolet and sprinkled with sea salt makes an irresistible accompaniment to a bowl of hearty soup. Or for a quick breakfast, it can be simply paired with jam or cheese.
Thanks to its sturdy and absorbent texture, it also makes an excellent base for open-faced sandwiches and can rightfully take the place of baguettes or ordinary sandwich bread. The Belgian classic sandwich, filled with sliced radish, cucumber, and boursin, is a crowd favourite.
To sum it all up, Pistolet is a bread variety worth exploring for its simplicity and versatility. It’s a testament to the saying that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can come together to form the most delightful of culinary experiences.
So, why wait? Explore the intriguing world of Pistolet and elevate your everyday bread experience! Your gourmet journey awaits you.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast
- 1-1/4 cups Warm Water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- Flour for dusting
- Egg Wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Method
Step One
Begin by combining the flour and yeast in a large bowl. Make sure you mix them together thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Step Two
Pour the warm water into the flour and yeast mixture. Make sure the water is precisely 110°F to activate the yeast correctly. Stir until you form a sticky dough.
Step Three
Add the vegetable oil, salt, and sugar into the bowl. Continue to stir the ingredients together until well combined.
Step Four
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step Five
Place the dough back into the bowl once you have finished kneading. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm location for approximately 2 hours.
Step Six
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating, punch down the dough and divide it into 10 balls. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each ball with the egg wash.
Step Seven
Put the baking sheet in the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake the Pistolets for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Step Eight
Once baked, let the Pistolets cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your homemade Pistolets!
