Ciabatta

Homemade bread is one of the most inviting and satisfying dishes you can make. Its warm aroma and fluffy texture turn any meal into a true celebration. This simple recipe for ciabatta bread is sure to become your favorite, and the preparation process is so easy that you'll want to make it again and again!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (including resting time)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 (slices)

Ingredients:
- 500 g ciabatta flour (which contains a rising agent)
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 300 ml lukewarm water (about 38-40°C)

Step by step for perfect ciabatta bread:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the ciabatta flour. Make sure it's quality flour, as this affects the final texture and taste. Create a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil. The olive oil not only adds a delicious flavor but also helps achieve a crispy crust.

2. Adding the water:
Heat the water until it is lukewarm (not hot!). Gradually add the water to the flour and oil mixture. Start mixing with a spatula or with clean hands. You will notice how the dough begins to come together.

3. Kneading:
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It's important not to over-knead it, as ciabatta bread has a slightly airy texture, and over-kneaded dough will become dense.

4. Resting the dough:
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This is the stage where the yeast will work, and the dough will rise. You will notice its volume doubling.

5. Shaping the bread:
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Turn the dough out onto the table and shape it as desired. You can choose to shape it into a baguette or a round loaf. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Preparing the oven:
While the bread rests to shape, place a small tray at the bottom of the oven and fill it with a cup of water. This will create steam during baking, providing a crispy crust and a fluffy crumb.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 220°C. When ready, place the tray with the bread in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden. Anticipate the inviting aroma that will fill your home!

8. Cooling:
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. It’s tempting to cut it immediately, but wait a few minutes to allow the steam to escape, ensuring a perfect texture.

Practical tips:
- Quality: Use good flour, preferably type 00, which is ideal for breads with a crispy crust.
- Humidity: The steam in the oven plays a crucial role in achieving a perfect crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Enhancements: You can add dried herbs or olives to the dough for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why doesn’t my dough rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the water is lukewarm, not hot. Too high a temperature can kill the yeast.

- How do I know when the bread is baked?
A well-baked bread will sound hollow when you tap it lightly on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the inside of the bread should be between 90-95°C.

Possible variations:
- Add sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds on top of the bread before baking for extra crunch.
- Substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier and more rustic version.

Serving:
This ciabatta bread is perfect to serve alongside soups, salads, or as a base for delicious sandwiches. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet sophisticated snack.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Homemade ciabatta bread is not just a simple recipe, but also a culinary adventure full of satisfaction. I invite you to put on your apron and start cooking! You will be proud of the final result and, most importantly, you will bring joy to every meal. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to experiment!