French Bread with Roasted Garlic and a Hint of Lavender

Transform your kitchen into a Parisian bakery with this artisanal French Bread infused with Roasted Garlic and a Hint of Lavender. This recipe combines the comforting, homey aroma of freshly baked bread with the delicate floral essence of dried culinary lavender and the rich, savory sweetness of roasted garlic. The result is a golden-crusted loaf that's both airy and flavorful, perfect for elevating any meal. With a hands-on kneading process and a steam baking technique that creates an irresistibly crisp crust, this bread is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil, alongside a cheese platter, or as an elegant accompaniment to soups and stews. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy evening at home, this bread delivers sophistication in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 packet Active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 4 cloves Roasted garlic cloves, mashed
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dried culinary lavender

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Stir in the roasted garlic and dried lavender to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 3

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, then pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 5

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 6

Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a baguette-style loaf and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7

Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which will help achieve a crispy crust.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the surface of each loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking.

Step 10

Place the baking sheet with the loaves on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(879.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2038.5

Total Fat 33.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 12.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 373.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.6g	0%
Total Sugars 5.2g
Protein 52.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 73.6mg	0%
Iron 22.8mg	0%
Potassium 668.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.8%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 74.7%