How to Make Ciabatta Bread
Ciabatta or “Slipper Bread” is very famous worldwide because of its distinct characteristics and its many uses. It is unique in terms of characteristics because it has as a contrasting texture that is provided by the thick crust outside and the soft bread inside. Today the bread is widely used for several Italian sandwiches and when toasted, they make perfect croutons to your salad.
So if you fancy making one yourself, here is a simple Ciabatta recipe that you can use.
Ingredients:
- 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2/3 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- Whole wheat flour for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the oven by putting a baking stone on the lower rack of the oven and preheat it at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the yeast mixture by combining the active dry yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water in a bowl. Whisk the mixture until you achieve a creamy texture.
- On the same bowl, add in the 1/3 cup of warm water and 1 cup of bread flour.
- Stir until the ingredients combine together, cover the bowl and let the yeast act on the flour for at least 24 hours.
- Combine the remaining ingredients together with the yeast mixture. Season the bread with salt to taste.
- Use the mixer and a dough arm attachment to combine the ingredients. The dough will be ready once it acquires an elastic and smooth texture.
- Spread some oil to a bowl and transfer the dough to that oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for until 1 and ½ hours or until the dough doubles in volume.
- Once done, cut the dough into two portions, put it on a greased pan and form it into long irregular ovals.
- Dust the dough with the whole wheat flour and create dimples with your fingers as you dust.
- Cover the dough with damp kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1 and ½ to 2 hours. Again, the volume should double its original size.
- Bake the ciabatta bread in the preheated oven for approximately 15 – 20 minutes or until it acquires a pale golden color.
- Let it rest and as much as possible serve within the same day of making it.