Ciabatta (Italian Slipper Bread)

Introduction

Welcome, fellow culinary enthusiasts, to a detailed exploration of Ciabatta, the quintessential Italian “slipper bread”. Known for its delightfully crisp crust and airy interior, Ciabatta is a staple in Italian cuisine that has made its way into the hearts—and homes—of bread lovers worldwide. Crafting Ciabatta requires patience and appreciation for the art of bread-making, where simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Let us guide you through the process of creating this spectacular bread from scratch.

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Kitchen Scale
• Silicone Spatula
• Bench Scraper
• Kitchen Towel
• Baking Stone or Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Rimmed Baking Pan

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 4 hours (including rising time)

Homemade Ciabatta Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 375ml (1.5 cups + 2 tbsp) lukewarm water
• 1g (1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g (4 cups) of bread flour, 375ml (1.5 cups + 2 tbsp) of lukewarm water, and 1g (1/4 tsp) of instant yeast. Mix until just combined. The dough will be extremely sticky and wet, which is typical for Ciabatta.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 hours, or until it has tripled in size and has bubbles forming on the surface.

Step 3: Shaping

Generously flour your work surface and gently pour the dough onto it. With floured hands or a bench scraper, fold the dough over onto itself once or twice, taking care not to deflate it. Flour the top of the dough and divide it into two equal pieces.

Step 4: Second Rise

Transfer the dough pieces to a piece of parchment paper. Gently stretch and shape each piece into a rectangle. Cover with a damp towel and let rise for another 1-2 hours, until puffy.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) with a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside. Place a rimmed baking pan on a lower rack. When ready to bake, slide the parchment paper with the dough onto the hot stone, and pour boiling water into the pan to create steam. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.

Conclusion

Congratulations on creating your very own Ciabatta! The journey from simple ingredients to a rustic loaf is a rewarding one, offering you crusty and chewy deliciousness that pairs well with soups or simply as a sandwich base. Don’t forget to share this delightful experience with family and friends—after all, bread is best when shared. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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