Baguette with Onion and Chocolate Jam

This recipe combines the rustic charm of a homemade baguette with the unique flavors of onion and chocolate jam for an unexpected yet delightful taste experience. The baguette is crafted to be soft inside with a crispy crust, thanks to a strategic baking method involving steam. The jam, a blend of savory onions and rich chocolate, is perfect as a topping or a sophisticated accompaniment to cheese platters. This dish is ideal for bakers looking to experiment with novel flavor pairings. The combination of sweet and spicy undertones from ingredients like balsamic vinegar and chili powder in the jam makes each bite memorable. Additionally, the dish requires patience and love, as the dough needs time to rise and the jam to simmer and develop flavors. The baguette and jam can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack and are sure to impress guests. For a unique gift, consider presenting the jam in a small jar alongside some cheese. Whether you're a home cook or a seasoned baker, this recipe promises an enjoyable culinary adventure.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 300 g all-purpose flour
• 30 ml oil
• 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 30 g sour cream
• 20 g aged cheese (such as Džiugas), finely grated
• 120 ml water

For the Jam:

• 0.5 kg small onions or shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 250 ml dark beer
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 tsp chili powder or fresh chili
• 80 g dried plums, chopped
• 30 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), finely chopped
• 3 tbsp oil

Preparation Time

• Total: 180 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and set aside a couple of tablespoons to adjust consistency if needed.
2. Add salt, sugar, yeast, and grated cheese to the flour. Mix well.
3. Warm the water to around 40 degrees Celsius, then stir in sour cream and oil into the warm water.
4. Pour this liquid mixture into the flour and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding the reserved flour if needed.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover it and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
6. Once risen, divide the dough into two parts and roll out each into a long, thin rectangle.
7. Roll the rectangles into baguette shapes and seal the seams.
8. Place the baguettes seam-side down on a baking sheet, score the tops, dust with flour, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. For a crusty exterior, place a pan of hot water in the oven as this will create steam.
10. Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Let them cool wrapped in a towel to maintain the crust's texture.
12. To make the jam, heat oil in a pan and add the sliced onions. Sauté on low heat for 15 minutes under a lid, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.
13. Add the chopped dried plums to the onions, and mix in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, honey, chili, and cinnamon.
14. Pour in the dark beer and let it simmer on low heat, covered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
15. Blend the mixture for a smoother consistency and then stir in the chopped dark chocolate until melted and fully combined.
16. While still hot, pour the jam into jars and let it cool before serving.
17. Serve the cooled baguette slices spread with the onion-chocolate jam, alongside cheese slices.
18. Store any leftover jam in small jars, which make excellent gifts when paired with a piece of cheese.

Tips

• Use small jars for the jam as it is quite flavorful, and a little goes a long way.
• This jam makes a thoughtful homemade gift when paired with cheese.
• If you prefer a softer crust, skip adding a pan of water while baking.

Nutritions (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 52g

Variations

• Substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free baguette.
• Adjust the chili and cinnamon to taste for a milder or spicier jam.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a variety of cheeses and a glass of red wine.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
• Enjoy as an appetizer with a charcuterie board.

Best Places

Le Grenier à Pain - Known for its award-winning baguettes and cozy ambiance. Location: 38 Rue Saintonge, Paris, France.

Boulangerie Poilâne - Famous for its traditional breads and delightful pastries. Location: 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.

Tartine Bakery - Offers an innovative take on classic French breads and pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Bageriet - A little Swedish gem in the heart of London, known for its delicious pastries. Location: 24 Rose St, London, UK.

Granny's Bakery - A quaint spot in Bangkok with a variety of delectable bread options. Location: 24 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, Thailand.

Gjusta - A trendy spot known for its handcrafted bread and laid-back atmosphere. Location: 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA, USA.

Iydea - Offers a wide range of unique bread, including their signature chocolate-infused varieties. Location: 17 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, UK.

Field&Flower - Known for their delicious baked goods and ethical food practices. Location: 1070 Third Ave, New York, NY, USA.

Panem - Delights visitors with an array of pastries made with passion and expertise. Location: Calle de la Paz, 7, Madrid, Spain.

*Bertrand Bakery - Offers exquisite French pastries with a unique twist in a charming setting. Location: Kinkerstraat 77A, Amsterdam, Netherlands.