Authentic Italian bread

Making authentic Italian bread at home can be a rewarding experience. One of the most popular types of Italian bread is Ciabatta, known for its rustic crust and airy, open crumb. Here’s a simple recipe to make authentic Italian Ciabatta bread.

Authentic Italian Ciabatta Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Poolish (Starter):

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) water, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) water, at room temperature (more if needed)
• Olive oil for greasing

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Poolish

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of yeast. Stir until well combined.
2. Let it Ferment:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 12-16 hours, or until it is bubbly and has doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 3 cups of flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of yeast. Add the prepared poolish and 1 cup of water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed for about 5-7 minutes.

3. First Rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bread

1. Pre-shape:

   • Gently turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Divide it into two equal pieces. Gently shape each piece into a rectangle without deflating the dough too much.

2. Second Rise:

   • Place the shaped dough on a floured baking sheet or a floured cloth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

2. Prepare for Baking:

   • If you’re using a baking stone, carefully transfer the dough onto the stone. If not, you can bake it on the baking sheet. Use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make a few slashes on the top of the dough for steam to escape.

3. Bake:

   • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you want a crustier bread, you can add steam to the oven by placing a pan of water on the bottom rack during baking.

4. Cool:

   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips:

• Hydration: Ciabatta dough is quite wet, so don’t be tempted to add too much flour while kneading. The high hydration is what gives it the characteristic open crumb.
• Flavor: For added flavor, you can incorporate herbs or garlic into the dough.
• Storage: Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it.

Enjoy your homemade authentic Italian Ciabatta bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or simply enjoyed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.