Here’s a straightforward recipe for making delicious ciabatta bread at home!
Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the Biga (Starter):
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water (room temperature)
- 1/8 teaspoon instant yeast
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water (room temperature)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Biga (Starter):
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, water, and instant yeast until combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-16 hours (overnight is ideal).
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add the biga and water, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough gently for about 5-7 minutes. You can use the stretch and fold method instead of traditional kneading, which helps maintain the dough’s airy structure.
3. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough:
- After the first rise, gently turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Avoid deflating it too much.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a rough rectangle, being careful not to degas the dough too much.
5. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough on a floured baking sheet or parchment paper. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
6. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
7. Bake:
- Once the dough has risen, carefully transfer it to the preheated baking stone or sheet. If desired, you can use a razor blade to make a few slashes on the top for decoration and steam release.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool:
- Let the ciabatta cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade ciabatta with olive oil, vinegar, or as a sandwich base!
