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Rustic Italian Ciabatta Bread

There’s something inherently comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the home. It’s a universal language of love, care, and warmth. Today, I’m delighted to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and kitchen: Rustic Italian Ciabatta Bread. This bread, with its
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Method

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 100ml lukewarm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour the yeast mixture and the remaining water.
  3. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently deflate the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each into a slipper shape, typical of ciabatta loaves.
  7. Dust a baking tray with cornmeal and place the loaves on it. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  8. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Place a baking dish with water on the bottom rack to create steam.
  9. Dust the top of the loaves with flour and make several diagonal slashes on the surface.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
  12. Active preparation time is around 20 minutes, with additional rise times totalling approximately 2-3 hours.
  13. Servings: 2 loavesCooking Time: 25-30 minutesTotal Time: Around 3-4 hoursKcal: Approximately 250 kcal per serving (1/8th of a loaf)