Traditional French Pistolets - Little Onion and Rye Bread Rolls

"These lovely little dinner or breakfast rolls are found everywhere in Belgium, and in most parts of France too. The last time I had them was a cosy Bed and Breakfast in Bruges, where they were served warm with fresh butter and boiled eggs for breakfast. They can vary in what type of flour is used, but they must always have the distinctive split, due to them being cut with the handle of a wooden spoon before baking. They are crusty and yet light inside, and make great sandwiches for picnics or a light lunch. This recipe is the result of numerous trial and error baking sessions, and the pistolets bread rolls are nutty and full of onion flavour. I start these off in the bread machine for ease when I am pushed for time, but they are just as easily made the more traditional way, mixing and proving by hand. NB: As one reviewer found out, baking can be a challenge, and in most cases an exact science. Do try to stick to the recipe as written - you won't be disappointed! Thanks!"
 
Download
photo by French Tart photo by French Tart
photo by French Tart
photo by Rita1652 photo by Rita1652
photo by Rita1652 photo by Rita1652
photo by Rita1652 photo by Rita1652
photo by Kat's Mom photo by Kat's Mom
Ready In:
2hrs
Ingredients:
10
Yields:
12 Pistolets
Advertisement

ingredients

Advertisement

directions

  • To start the dough in the bread machine, add the ingredients in the order posted - except the topping and extra flour for dusting. Put on "dough" setting to mix, prove and rise.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas mark 7.
  • Once the dough has risen, turn out of the tin on to a floured board and knock back, then knead for a minute or two. Cut into 12 pieces and shape into ovals. Place on well greased and floured baking sheets and cover with oiled cling-film; leave them in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
  • Brush the rolls with water and then sprinkle with onion salt or normal salt, before dusting with flour. Using an oiled handle of a wooden spoon, split each roll almost in half lengthways, see photo. Allow to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before baking in pre-heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The pistolets should sound hollow when tapped and have a crusty finish. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack then serve warm with butter and fillings to taste. These freeze very well.

Questions & Replies

Got a question? Share it with the community!
Advertisement

Reviews

  1. This recipe makes the most FABULOUS rolls! Made as directed, except I too had to make my own bread flour and since I'm in the states I also have to do the conversions. I convert, I weigh & then I measure so I don't have to do it all again the next time. And for this recipe, there will most definitely be a next time! When making bread flour you must add 1 TBL of wheat gluten to EVERY cup of flour needed and combine well before using in a recipe. I made 5 cups of bread flour and then weighed out exactly 400g which measures 3 cups and 2 TBL of flour. I used 100g (1 cup) light, unbleached rye flour and 20g (2-3/4 TBL) yeast. I added the dried onions to the bread machine mixture & had to use onion powder instead of onion salt for the topping. (Just all I had on hand.) My house smells divine! The light rye is a subtle hint of rye that compliments the onion flavored rolls perfectly. I got distracted after cutting into them with the wooden spoon (I was also canning raspberries & peach/strawberry jam at the same time.), so they rose the second time a little too long & the indentations aren't as obvious; but they're there. :) DH had to go to work before these were done, but judging by the reactions of DS, DD & myself, he's going to LOVE them! Thanks for sharing your creation, FT! Made & enjoyed for ZWT6 Team Xtra Hot Dishes!
     
  2. 5/29/2010 - This recipe yields lovely rolls when made with the flours listed. If you follow the directions by using a bread machine, you will have delicious rolls you will be proud to serve. 6/4/2010 - Thought it might be helpful to mention that I used 4 cups minus two tablespoons of King Arthur bread flour and one 3/4 oz. envelope of Fleischmann's Yeast (NOT the fast-rising or the bread machine kind - just the regular active yeast). My DH doesn't care for rye so I used all white bread flour. For the top, I sprinkled on Fleur de sel for a wonderful little salty crunch. I think garlic would be great in place of the onion, too.
     
  3. This recipe just didn't work for me. I didn't use a Bread machine so I proofed my yeast and mixed it in my Cuisinart as I usually do with bread. I used regular flour and added 1 TBL of Gluten in place of the Bread flour. My first concern was that after and hour and a half of raising it didn't seem to get very high. I didn't quite use all the flour so I didn't think it would be as heavy as it turned out, and where as the pictures show a very light airy dough mine was fairly tan from the rye flour. After the 2nd rise and baking the roll were pretty heavy and had a odd flavor. The description says the rolls are full of onion flavor - they did if you ate the top that has the onion powder and flakes but the rest of the roll has no onion flavor. We were able to eat one when they were warm with our Sauerbraten, but after that were unfortunately unedible. Made by one of the Unrulies Under the Influence for ZWT6
     
  4. Ahhhhh A Heavenly aroma wafts through out my home! I doubled the recipe. I do have a large Bread machine and I did have to work with the dough when first mixing in the machine. I kept the flour and water done and adjusted when mixing till I got the right consistency in the dough. I used 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast. They did rise beautifully. Having a nice crust and tender inside. Great reheated. I didn`t add the onion to the dough I topped the dough. Didn`t salt the topping because of sodium restrictions. I did use a dark rye and bread flour. No need for adding vital gluten. I like olive oil in my breads so that is what I opted for. I do suggest to stick to the recipe amounts if not used to making breads. Made for ZWT 6 Thank you for Great eats! Back to say these are great toasted. Enjoyed with Recipe #427839 that I shredded and added BBQ sauce. The bread absorbs the sauce so nicely.
     
  5. ya
     
Advertisement

Tweaks

  1. This recipe just didn't work for me. I didn't use a Bread machine so I proofed my yeast and mixed it in my Cuisinart as I usually do with bread. I used regular flour and added 1 TBL of Gluten in place of the Bread flour. My first concern was that after and hour and a half of raising it didn't seem to get very high. I didn't quite use all the flour so I didn't think it would be as heavy as it turned out, and where as the pictures show a very light airy dough mine was fairly tan from the rye flour. After the 2nd rise and baking the roll were pretty heavy and had a odd flavor. The description says the rolls are full of onion flavor - they did if you ate the top that has the onion powder and flakes but the rest of the roll has no onion flavor. We were able to eat one when they were warm with our Sauerbraten, but after that were unfortunately unedible. Made by one of the Unrulies Under the Influence for ZWT6
     
  2. This recipe makes the most FABULOUS rolls! Made as directed, except I too had to make my own bread flour and since I'm in the states I also have to do the conversions. I convert, I weigh & then I measure so I don't have to do it all again the next time. And for this recipe, there will most definitely be a next time! When making bread flour you must add 1 TBL of wheat gluten to EVERY cup of flour needed and combine well before using in a recipe. I made 5 cups of bread flour and then weighed out exactly 400g which measures 3 cups and 2 TBL of flour. I used 100g (1 cup) light, unbleached rye flour and 20g (2-3/4 TBL) yeast. I added the dried onions to the bread machine mixture & had to use onion powder instead of onion salt for the topping. (Just all I had on hand.) My house smells divine! The light rye is a subtle hint of rye that compliments the onion flavored rolls perfectly. I got distracted after cutting into them with the wooden spoon (I was also canning raspberries & peach/strawberry jam at the same time.), so they rose the second time a little too long & the indentations aren't as obvious; but they're there. :) DH had to go to work before these were done, but judging by the reactions of DS, DD & myself, he's going to LOVE them! Thanks for sharing your creation, FT! Made & enjoyed for ZWT6 Team Xtra Hot Dishes!
     

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

<p><strong><span>The sunflowers in the field behind my house in SW France:</span></strong></p> <p><img title=Sunflowers src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/DSCN8221.jpg alt=Sunflowers width=640 height=480 /><br /><strong><span><br /><br />I am British (English-Scottish), but I was born in South Africa and have lived all over the world, including Hong Kong, Germany, Cyprus, USA &amp; Singapore. I have also been very fortunate to have travelled extensively over the years.........I still have wanderlust! <br /><br />I used to be an English Literature &amp; Art History teacher &amp; lecturer; before that, I trained and worked as a Graphic Designer for many years. I now live in France with my husband &amp; my daughter who has just started university in September 2006. We also have one very chatty Burmese cat Willow, who allows us to live with her here! (I used to have three cats, I recently lost Monty, a beautiful seal point Siamese and before that, Rama, who was a debonair blue point Siamese cat - I would love to have another Siamese cat or cats in the future!)</span></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span>This is my Burmese Cat, Willow, sunning herself on the log pile in the kitchen garden:</span></strong></em></p> <p><strong><img title=My src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/ABaconButtyandSundryFoodPhotos34.jpg alt=My width=640 height=480 /></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Here is my lovely Monty, a seal point Siamese, and Willow, sitting&nbsp;in the kitchen garden last year, and a few months before Monty died; he was 18yrs old:</span></strong></p> <p><img title=Monty src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/AbsolutelySinfulStickyToffeePudding.jpg alt=Monty width=640 height=480 />My</p> <p><strong><span>This is my wonderful old boy, Rama, a blue-point Siamese, who died when he was 20yrs old - excuse the old and much sellotaped photo:</span></strong></p> <p><img title=Rama src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Rama1stOctober2004164.jpg alt=Rama width=517 height=639 /></p> <p><strong><span>My favourite pastimes are: reading, writing, painting &amp; drawing, photography, gardening, anything creative, walking, travelling, dining out and of course COOKING! I love all types of cuisine, but especially Traditional British - and NO it is NOT all bad!! I particularly love food associated with the changing seasons plus traditional feasts &amp; festivals, as well as Slow Cooking. I also enjoy French &amp; North African cuisine, come to think of it, there isn't much I don't like! <br /><br />My husband &amp; I run a Chambres D'Hotes, (Bed and Breakfast) called Auberge de la Fontaine here in beautiful South West France; we specialise in Gourmet Food &amp; Wine Breaks, French Antiques &amp; Restoration courses, French Language courses and French Cookery classes. Our home is completely furnished with Antique French furniture that we have rescued &amp; restored ourselves. Our charming village has one of the oldest Churches in the region &amp; it is famous for its connection with the St.Jacques de Compostella Pilgrimage route, as well as being within the Cognac &amp; Bordeaux wine growing area. <br /><br />We have a wonderful garden where we grow ALL of our own herbs and most of our fruit and vegetables. I specialise in rare, unusual and old-fashioned herbs, which I grow in our walled garden. As well as growing herbs, I also grow many different varieties of lavender, old-fashioned shrub roses and heirloom fruit and vegetables. <br /><br />We have lived overseas for many, many years now - but we both still love going home to Northern England, near Scarborough &amp; York, to visit our family &amp; friends. We also love indulging in dining out when we are there, in a wide variety of EXCELLENT Gastro-Pubs that we have in North Yorkshire; and popping in to have a Pint of REAL ENGLISH ALE in our local pub is a always a must!! <br /></span></strong></p> <p><br /><a href=http://photobucket.com/images/merci%20beaucoup target=_blank><img src=http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/vi-vie15/Merci/hb09izl7.gif border=0 alt=merci /></a> <br /><br /><strong><span>A Message to all who make and review my recipes! I try very hard to reply to EACH and EVERYONE of you who kindly makes, reviews and photographs my recipes! However, sometimes I am so busy in the B and B, and with other things, that I may be late in sending a personal thank you message, and sometimes I forget completely! I would just like to thank you ALL in advance, and just in case I am late or forgetful in sending a personal thanks. I am always very humbled by anyone who chooses to make one of my recipes, and I love reading the reviews and seeing the beautiful photos that are posted. Merci beaucoup encore! <br /><br />A note about my recipes. All of my posted recipes, whether they be my own concoctions or adaptations from a book or a famous chef, have been tried and tested at least once, by ME! I try to make sure that I am the guinea pig and not you! However, if there is anything you would like ask me about one of my recipes, or a query that I may be able to help you with, please do write and I will try to answer your question as soon as possible. I post my recipes in Imperial (lbs and ozs) and Metric (kilos and grams) as I am British! </span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a id=clustrMapsLink href=http://www2.clustrmaps.com/counter/maps.php?url=http://www.recipezaar.com/member/242729><img id=clustrMapsImg title=Locations src=http://www2.clustrmaps.com/counter/index2.php?url=http://www.recipezaar.com/member/242729 alt=Locations /> <br /></a><br /><br /> <object width=550 height=293 data=http://static.travbuddy.com/flash/countries_map.swf?id=4263273 type=application/x-shockwave-flash> <param name=data value=http://static.travbuddy.com/flash/countries_map.swf?id=4263273 /> <param name=bgcolor value=#372060 /> <param name=src value=http://static.travbuddy.com/flash/countries_map.swf?id=4263273 /> <param name=quality value=high /> </object> <br /><br /><br /><a href=http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-widgets><img src=http://static.travbuddy.com/images/widget_map_promote_v2.gif border=0 alt=/ /></a> <br /><a href=http://www.travbuddy.com/register.php><img src=http://static.travbuddy.com/images/widget_map_promote_meet.gif border=0 alt=/ /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span>A Swish Slideshow!! <br /></span></strong><br /> <object width=480 height=360 data=http://w146.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Food type=application/x-shockwave-flash> <param name=data value=http://w146.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Food /> <param name=src value=http://w146.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Food /> <param name=wmode value=transparent /> </object> <a href=http://photobucket.com/slideshows target=_blank><img src=http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif alt=/ /></a><a href=http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Food%202009/?action=view?t=f58f3c11.pbw target=_blank><img src=http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif alt=/ /></a> <br /><br /><br /><strong><span>Awards: <br /></span></strong><br /><img src=http://www.satsleuth.com/cooking/MelbourneCup1st.JPG border=0 alt=/ /> <br /><br /><img src=http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/ruemke/ft.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><br /><br /><img src=http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/ruemke/food/a.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><br /><br /><img src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Zaar%20Food%20Photos/SassyBanner.jpg border=0 alt=Photo /> <br /><br /><br /><strong><span>I have participated in:</span></strong> <br /><br /><br /><br /><img src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Herb1BaySTKR.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m445/mliss29/vegn%20swap/vegnswap.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v726/annacia/Permanent%20Banners/apple-a-day-oct-09.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /> <br /><img src=http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z205/jubespage/ZaarBanners/170ae11e.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j166/ZaarNicksMom/Animation6.gif alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j166/ZaarNicksMom/PACsticker-Adopted.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z205/jubespage/ZaarBanners/recipetag2-1.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/1956/herbssticker1.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/ThymeSticker.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/484938/Hot.spicy.tastySTKR.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/1956/samethingsticker.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t229/axerage/aboutmetagcopy.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/1956/saladsticker.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z205/jubespage/2008AussieNZChristmasCardExchange.gif alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3314808827_fd1070a8f8_m.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><a href=http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Birthday%20and%20Celebration%20Images/?action=view?t=ParsleyBanner.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Birthday%20and%20Celebration%20Images/ParsleyBanner.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /></a> <br /><img src=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Birthday%20and%20Celebration%20Images/FrenchCheeseoftheWeekClub.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /> <br /><img src=http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/MrsTeny/CookathonforKarensticker.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v726/annacia/Permanent%20Banners/i-connected-125.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /> <br /><img src=http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/HokiesLady65/totmtaggame-1.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /> <br /><img src=http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z205/jubespage/AussieRecipeSwap.gif alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/jewelies/Cooking-Kangaroo-1-1.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/Ingredients/FISHSEAFDSTICKER.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/Ingredients/CROCKPOTSTKR.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a132/tgifford/Game%20Room%20Banners/AM%20Banners/holidaybadge.gif border=0 alt=Photobucket /> <br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v726/annacia/pt-shutterbug-banner-1.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /> <br /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b367/chefpaulag/banners/cookathonLorac-1.jpg?t=1217936137 alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/ZWT4-ChallengeHostAboutMe.gif alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/484938/MayFlowerssticker.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/Ingredients/Flourpowersticker.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://www.satsleuth.com/cooking/Swap14.JPG alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/Ingredients/PastastickerJPEG.jpg alt=/ /> <img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/Ingredients/Kaffee-sticker.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/derf16/food%20photography%20series/MuffinLovesticker.jpg alt=/ /> <br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/derf16/food%20photography%20series/Comfortstickercopysmall.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/Ingredients/Other/photo-swap-7sticky.jpg alt=/ /> <img src=http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q23/vseward/Bevy/officialmemberofthebevtaggame.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/personal/FRENCH-foodfun.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/1956/holidaylightssticker.jpg alt=/ /> <img src=http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/484938/Spelling-Bee-stick2jpg.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/BtoBHosts.jpg border=0 alt=Photo /><img src=http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/1535/CLC1.gif alt=/ /><img src=http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/TasteofYellow.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/FFF/Switzerland-FFF4.gif alt=/ /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/untitled.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/projects/200_PACpic.jpg border=0 alt=Photo /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/projects/pacbanner.jpg border=0 alt=Photo /> <img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/ZWT-ChallengeHostBanner.gif alt=/ /><img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/ZWT3-Participation.gif alt=/ /> <img src=http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f249/Dreamgoddess555/Narrow1-1.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://www.satsleuth.com/cooking/RecipeSwap2.JPG alt=width=50% /> <br /><img src=http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/1535/samethingsticker.jpg alt=/ /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/Adopted1smp.jpg border=0 alt=Photo /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/smPACp.jpg border=0 alt=PAC /><img src=http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/1535/cheesesticker.jpg alt=/ /><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=148021 target=_blank> <img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/RSC%20Banners/RSC10-FrenchTart.jpg alt=/ /></a><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=119602 target=_blank> <img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/RSC%20Banners/RSC9-FrenchTart.jpg alt=/ /></a></p>
 
View Full Profile
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Find More Recipes