Ciabatta a Old Italian Bread
Transport your kitchen to the rustic heart of Italy with this authentic Ciabatta, an Old Italian Bread recipe that highlights simplicity and time-honored techniques. With just five pantry staples—flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil—this recipe uses a long, slow fermentation process to develop an irresistible depth of flavor and the iconic open, airy crumb. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this homemade ciabatta is baked with steam to achieve that signature golden crust. Whether you're serving it fresh alongside a hearty soup, dipping it in olive oil, or crafting gourmet sandwiches, this artisan bread will elevate any meal. Embrace the art of slow baking and bring the taste of Italy to your table!
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Ingredients
- 500 grams All-purpose flour
- 375 milliliters Lukewarm water
- 4 grams Active dry yeast
- 10 grams Salt
- 15 milliliters Olive oil
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy, which indicates the yeast is activated.
Step 2
Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture and gently stir to combine.
Step 3
Gradually mix in the flour, a little at a time, until a sticky and soft dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or dough whisk, as this dough will be too sticky to knead by hand.
Step 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours. This long fermentation helps develop the bread's flavor and texture.
Step 5
After the first rise, generously dust a clean work surface with flour. Gently pour the dough onto the surface, being careful not to deflate it too much.
Step 6
With floured hands or a bench scraper, fold the dough into a rectangle shape. Divide it into two equal pieces, shaping them into rustic, oblong loaves. Handle the dough gently to preserve its airy structure.
Step 7
Transfer the loaves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, dust the tops lightly with flour, and cover them loosely with a floured cloth. Let them rise for an additional 1–2 hours until puffy.
Step 8
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat as well. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam during baking, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
Step 9
Carefully transfer the risen loaves (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10
Transfer the baked ciabatta to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing. Enjoy the bread fresh, dipped in olive oil, or used for sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (908.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1959.8 |
| Total Fat 19.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 3.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3943.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 383.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.1g | |
| Protein 53.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 69.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 23.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 616.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories