Sourdough French Bread#BreadBakers

The sourdough bug has got on me and now I am only baking sourdough breads, be it flatbread which I make daily to enjoy with sabzi or curry. I have revived my sourdough starter in the month of December 2024 which I had freezed in year 2021.

This sourdough French bread recipe makes two long, soft and fluffy loaves of bread that are perfect for making po' boy sandwiches, sub sandwiches, garlic bread, or French bread pizza.

Makes 2 Loaves

Ingredients
For The Active Sourdough Starter Feeding
25 Grams Sourdough Starter
50 Grams Bread Flour
50 Grams Water
Main Dough 
430 Grams Bread Flour
50 Grams Whole Wheat Flour
300 Grams Water
100 Grams Active Sourdough Starter
50 Grams Milk
14 Grams Olive Oil
14 Grams Honey
10 Grams Salt
Method

The day you want to bake early in the morning, take 25 grams of leftover sourdough starter out of the fridge and feed it 50 grams of water and 50 grams of flour. Mix together thoroughly, mark the top of the starter with a rubber band, and set it on the counter. Let it rise for 8-12 hours ((if you are in a city like Mumbai it make take about 5 - 6 hours depending on temperature of the kitchen). The starter should have doubled in size in 5 -6 hours.

After the starter has reached it's peak, begin mixing all of the wet ingredients into a mixing bowl, adding the flour last. Mix water, milk, honey, olive oil, starter, and salt together until well combined. Then, add the  flour and whole wheat flour. Mix until a shaggy dough is formed.
Cover up the bowl of dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Stretch & Folds

- Perform the first set of stretch and folds. Stretch an edge of the dough up into the air and fold it over the top of the dough. Turn the bowl and grab another edge of the dough and do the same. Repeat this process, stretching and folding until you feel the dough tighten and resist stretching( about 8 turns). Then cover the dough and let it rest for 30 more minutes.
- Perform two more sets of stretch and folds with 30 minutes of rest in between the sets.
Shaping The Bread

After the last set of stretch and folds, flip the dough over in the mixing bowl so that the smooth side is facing up. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 4-8 hours (if you are in a warm country like India it make take between 2 -3 hours depending on temperature of the kitchen). This step is commonly called the first rise, or bulk fermentation.

Once the dough has doubled in size, place the dough, sticky-side-up, on a floured counter. Stretch the dough out into a rectangle, and then divide the dough into two equal smaller rectangles with a bench scraper or knife.

Roll each rectangle longways into a long, tube-shaped loaf ( about 14inches  long). Place the shaped loaves onto a metal sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Cover up the loaves with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 2-3 hours. This is the second rise, or the final proof.
30 minutes before you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 220°C and place a metal cake pan or any metal pan onto the bottom rack of your oven. You will put boiling water into this hot pan later to add steam to the oven. ( Do not place a glass dish or else you will break your's  like mine cracked into pieces)

When the dough is done proofing, it should have increased in volume and feel slightly puffy to the touch.
Score five diagonal lines into the top of each loaf with a razor blade, bread lame, or a serrated knife.

Transfer the sheet pan of Sourdough French Bread into the middle rack of the oven and pour a cup of boiling water into the metal pan on the bottom rack. Steam will fill the oven and allow the bread to expand as it bakes, giving it a better crust.
Let the bread bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pan of water. Bake for an additional 15 - 20 minutes, or until the bread has a brown color on the crust that you like.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes before slicing into the bread. A perfectly baked Sourdough French Breads.

Serve slices with olive oil or butter, turn the slices into garlic bread, or cut the sourdough French bread lengthwise to make sandwiches or French bread pizza. Enjoy!

Labels: French Loaf, Sourdough, French, Bread Bakers, Breads, International Cuisine, Eggless 

#BreadBakers is a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. You can see all our of lovely bread by following our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated after each event on the #BreadBakers home page. We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. If you are a food blogger and would like to join us, just send Stacy an email with your blog URL to foodlustpeoplelove@gmail.com.
We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. This month’s theme is French Breads.  

• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Brioche 
• Food Lust People Love: Cheater Pain aux Raisins 
• The Wimpy Vegetarian : Fougasse 
• Karen's Kitchen Stories: La Couronne Lyonaise 
• Culinary Cam: Pain au Chocolat 
• A Messy Kitchen: Pain Brié 
• Zesty South Indian Kitchen: Pain de campagne 
• Sneha's Recipe : Sourdough French Bread  

Keto Dairy Savory Crepes With Almond Flour#SundayFunday

I love crepes for breakfasts, so I made these large crepes for me to enjoy. These crepes are dairy free, these we good to enjoy with sugar free jam.

Cup Measurement = 250ml
Makes 7 Large Crepes
Ingredients
1¼ Cup Almond Flour
½ Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Cup Egg Whites
¼ Teaspoon Salt
Butter Or Desi Ghee - for brushing the pan

Method

In a large bowl combine egg whites, almond flour, almond milk and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Let rest 5 minutes. Set a 10-inch skillet over medium low flame. Add just enough oil or butter to the pan to lightly coat it. 

Once hot, tilt the pan pour the batter to the pan and swirl or spread into a thin layer that reaches to the edges. 

Cover with a lid. After 2 minutes open and let is cook for a few seconds or until the edges are cooked and can be loosened with a spatula. Loosen all the way around and then lift one edge gently and work spatula underneath (I found it easiest to place the spatula to loosened edge and under the crepe so I could flip it).

Flip and cook on the other side until lightly browned. Remove and lay on prepared baking sheet, then continue with remaining batter. You can layer another piece of parchment on top of the first set of crepes as more come off the pan.

Fill with whatever your little heart desires. You can enjoy these with sugar free jam or with sugar-free Nutella!

Labels: Crepes, Keto, Low Carb, International Cuisine, Almond Flour, Egg Whites, Dairy Free, Sunday Funday

Keto Broccoli & Tomato Soup#SundayFunday

This Broccoli & Tomato Soup that is thick, creamy and delicious. The bright color should perk your winter up too! It has such great flavor, nutritious, light and can be served hot or cold.

Serves 6
Ingredients
1 Small Head Broccoli - chopped
1 Small Onion - chopped
2 Cloves Garlic - chopped
6 Medium Tomatoes - cut into quarters
2 - 3 Cups Vegetable Stock
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
½ Teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper powder or to taste
A Dash Of Red Chilly Flakes - optional

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan/kadai.
Add the onion and garlic and sauté till the onions start to caramelize. Add the broccoli and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and stock, bring to the boil, cover and cook until the broccoli is tender.
Blend with either a hand blender or food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy! This is a thick tasty soup and a good way to sneak broccoli into your loved one's diet. They will never know, it's a delicious soup

My Notes
This is a thick soup, you may want to add more stock if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Labels: Soup, Broccoli, Tomato, Garlic, Keto, Low Carb, Vegetarian, International Cuisine, Sunday Funday

• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Cabbage Roll Soup from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Chicken and Dumplings Soup from Palatable Pastime
• Chicken Enchilada Soup from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Homemade Golden Mushroom Soup from Food Lust People Love
• Keto Broccoli & Tomato Soup from Sneha's Recipe 

Baked Vegetables Pasta Less Lasagna#SundayFunday

A delicious vegetable lasagna no pasta noodles necessary! Yes, it’s all veggies, cheeses and  sauce for a tasty comforting vegetarian dinner. (You won’t miss the noodles!)
6 inch Pyrex dish
Serves 2 as a complete meal

Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
¾ Cup Homemade Pasta Sauce
To Sauté Vegetables
1 Tablespoons Oil
1 Teaspoon Butter
1 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Garlic
1 Medium Onion - diced into small cubes
½ Cup Boiled Sweet Corn
1 Cup Diced Colored Capsicum - small cubes
1 Large Tomato - de seeded and diced
½ Teaspoon Oregano
½ Teaspoon Red Chilli flakes
½ Teaspoon Salt or to taste
10 White Bread Slices 
150 Grams Cheeza Cheese 
Method
For The Veggies 

Heat oil in a pan add the chopped garlic sauté for a minute add onions and sauté this for a minute add rest of the veggies, salt and dry spices sauté for 2 minutes stirring continuously then add tomato and sauté just for a minute. Keep aside to cool.
For The Bread

Flatten the bread slices with a rolling pin thinly
Assembling The Lasagna

Grease a oven proof glass dish/Pyrex dish 6 inch, spread 2 - 3 tablespoon red sauce, then on it drizzle a tablespoon heaped white sauce, arrange a layer of bread slices to cover the bottom leaving no gap ( fill the gaps of the dish), again spread red and white sauce over the slices/ base, spread little of the veggies and then a layer of processed & mozzarella cheese( I used cheeza). 

Again spread white and red sauce and on top the layer of veggies , a layer of cheese to cover it again white and red sauce, a layer of bread slice covering the base ( no gaps), again red and white sauce, layer of veggies again cheese bread slices, again all of the remaining red and white sauce and remaining veggies all of the remaining cheese, arrange for garnishing some diced colored capsicums, a dash of oregano, red chilly flakes.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes with both elements on.

Baked Vegetables Pasta Less Lasagna is ready, cut in square and serve immediately. Making Lasagna at home has never been so easy, make your own vegetable Lasagna at home and Enjoy!

Labels: Bread Slices, Bread Slices, Lasagna, Pasta Less , Pasta sauce, Cheese Sauce, Coloured Bell Peppers, Sweet Corn, Cheese, Baked, Serves Two, Vegetarian, International Cuisine

For Sunday Funday , we are sharing "Comfort Foods"

Sneha's Recipe: Baked Vegetables Pasta Less Lasagna 

Amy's Cooking Adventures: Broccoli Cheese Pierogi Soup 

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Roast Pork Loin with Cherry Sauce 

Karen's Kitchen Stories: BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Sweet Potatoes and Pearl Onions 

Food Lust People Love: Lemony Spring Vegetable Chicken Soup 

Culinary Cam: Comforting Beef Stroganoff 

Warm Chicken & Mushroom Salad - Keto#SundayFunday

A complete meal with added chicken, feta cheese, and seeds makes u this luxurious main dish. Do try this unique and really tasty salad!
Ingredients
3 Large Mushroom - sliced
1 Small Onion sliced
½ Each Bell Pepper - Red, Yellow, Green- diced
2 Cloves Garlic - finely chopped
1 Cup Chopped Lettuce
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes - halved
100 Grams Feta cheese - cubed
Olives, Avocado, sunflower & pumpkin seeds- optional
1/2 Cup Shredded Cooked Chicken
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
For The Dressing
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Fresh Cream
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
2 Teaspoons Sriracha Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method

Mix all dressing ingredients keep aside.
Sauté the garlic for minute add onion till translucent then add in the mushroom and on medium high flame sauté till all the moisture evaporates then add the capsicum and chicken mix well till warmed. Switch off the flame.

Take this on to a serving platter add the lettuce leaves. Pour the dressing mix well. Enjoy.

Labels: Salad, Main course, Chicken, Mushroom, Cherry Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, Dressing, Sunday Funday, International Cuisine, Iceberg Lettuce, Keto
For Sunday Funday we are sharing Main Dish Salads.

• Arugula Salad with Pork by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Bacon Cheeseburger Salad by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Hearty Taco Salad by Our Good Life
• The King of Salads: A Lighter Crab Louie by Culinary Cam
• Warm Chicken & Mushroom Salad - Keto by Sneha's Recipe

Zambian Dried Beans Curry#EatTheWorld

Dried Beans is a nutritious dish among Zambian local cuisines. It is a healthy alternative to meat for vegetarians. It can be enjoyed with rice. It is quite easy to prepare.

Ingredients

1 Cup Black Eyed Peas - can use any type of beans
2 Medium Tomatoes - chopped
1 Onion - chopped
1 Scallion/Spring Onions Greens - chopped
2 Tablespoon Oil
Salt to taste
Seasoning / Spice of your choice - optional

I used Red chilly powder & Cumin powder
Method

Wash the beans and put in a pot add enough water and put on heat to cook.
Let the beans cook until the beans it soft. Continue adding water bit by bit if the water evaporates.
In another pot heat oil, add sauté the onions till translucent then add the tomatoes, cook till they soften. 

Now add the cooked beans and stock, salt to taste and spice of your choice and mix well. Bring this to a boil, reduce the flame and let is simmer for 15 minutes stirring in between till the gravy thickens. Then add the chopped spring onion greens, cover and let this cook only for a minute. 

Switch off the flame and serve hot. Serve with rice.

Labels: Eat the World, Black Eyed Peas, Zambia, International Cuisine, Main course, Vegetarian, Scallions

For Eat The World we are sharing recipes of Zambia.

Check out all the wonderful Zambian dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Find out how to join Eat the World here and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!

• Zambian Dried Bean Curry by Sneha's Recipes
• Zambian Spinach by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Village Chicken by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Taking Inspiration from Zambian Flavors by Culinary Cam

Hot Chocolate With After Eight Peppermint#SundayFundy

Make this rich and creamy After Eight Peppermint Hot Chocolate as it’s the ultimate decadent chocolate drink. It also has pieces of the After Eight chocolate on top for a delicious hot beverage!

After Eight chocolates are thin dark chocolate squares filled with peppermint flavored fondant cream and are so good.

I love After Eight chocolates and chocolate with peppermint are a classic pairing, when add that to a homemade hot chocolate, you’ve just made a decadent hot beverage that anyone will love.

Serves One
Ingredients
1½ Cup Milk
1 Teaspoon White Sugar - optional
½ Teaspoon Coffee powder
1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 After Eight Chocolates
Whipping Cream (optional)
2 After Eight Chocolates - for garnishing
Method

In a heavy saucepan boil the milk. Add in cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar melts, then add the coffee powder, mix it well. Switch off the flame.
Place an After Eight chocolate in the bottom of your mug, add in your hot chocolate, then stir it thoroughly until the chocolate has melted into your drink. Garnish with whipping cream and After Eight chocolate.

It’s very simple to make this sweet minty bliss treat!
Make this rich and creamy After Eight Peppermint Hot Chocolate as it's the ultimate decadent chocolate drink. It also has pieces of the After 8 chocolate on top for a delicious hot beverage!

Labels: Peppermint, Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Sunday Funday, Juices, International Cuisine, Serves One

• Candy Cane Bark from Sid's Sea Palm Cooking
• Candy Cane Meringue Kisses from Food Lust People Love
• Chocolate Peppermint and Chocolate Chip Cookies from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies from Mayuri's Jikoni
• Hot Chocolate With After Eight Peppermint from Sneha's Recipe
• Mint Chocolate Cookies (Biscuits) from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Painted Peppermint Cookies from Culinary Cam
• Peppermint Patty Surprise Cookies from A Day in the Life on the Farm

Lummur - Icelandic Oatmeal Pancakes#EatTheWorld

These thick oatmeal pancakes are the traditional food served for New Year in Iceland. Celebrated on the Third Thursday in April, it marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer which is observed as a national bank holiday. This breakfast is made from leftover oat porridge. Another best way to use leftover porridge.

These pancakes are, soft, delicious and HEAVENLY! My family absolutely enjoyed them. The combo of the oatmeal, cardamom and raisins, give a wonderful and sweet taste to the pancakes. They are best fresh and still warm but they keep quite well, you can take them with you for tiffin too. 

I have enjoyed these pancakes in Iceland for breakfast. We stayed in homestay, so got to enjoy authentic Icelandic food.  

Makes 12 pancakes
Ingredients
300 Grams Cooked Oatmeal - cooled
150 Grams All Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Sugar
1⁄4 Teaspoon Salt
2 Teaspoons Baking powder
2 Eggs
1 Teaspoon Cardamom powder
2 Cups Milk
50 Grams Raisins - optional
Method

Stir flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into the cooked oatmeal.
Add eggs and cardamom powder. Stir in the milk and make a smooth batter. Add raisins and mix well.

Heat a nonstick pan and brush it with butter or desi ghee. Pour a ladle full and make round pancakes. I used my small pancake pan and made all the pancakes the same size.

Fry on hot pan like pancakes. Enjoy with a cube of butter. These are soft and taste good without any syrup.

My Notes

I, have used oats bran, you can use any oats you like. The quantity of milk may vary according to the moisture in the cooked oatmeal. So add milk a little at a time, as you are whisking to make a pancake like batter. I used the stick blender to make a smooth and lump free batter. Although raisins are optional but would suggest adding it since it renders a sweet taste to the pancakes. You do not need any syrup to be added, you can have them just as it is, they taste so good.

Labels: Pancakes, Eat the World, Oats, Iceland, Breakfast, International Cuisine

For Eat The World we are sharing recipes of Iceland. 

• Laufabraud by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Lummur - Icelandic Oatmeal Pancakes by Sneha's Recipe
• Piparkökur (Icelandic Pepper Cookies) by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Pylsur Ein Með Öllu ('One with Everything' Hot Dog) by Culinary Cam
• Salkjöt og baunir by Pandemonium Noshery