Sure! Here’s a beginner-friendly recipe for Ciabatta Bread, written step by step in English:
🥖 Ciabatta Bread Recipe (Crispy Outside, Soft Inside)
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 4–5 hours (including rise)
Yields: 2 medium loaves
📝 Ingredients:
For the Sponge (starter):
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup (160ml) water (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
For the Dough:
- All of the sponge (after resting)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) water (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
✅ Step 1: Make the Sponge (Overnight or 6–8 hrs in advance)
- In a bowl, mix flour, water, and yeast until smooth.
- Cover and let it sit at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight.
(This gives your ciabatta its classic flavor.)
✅ Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the sponge, flour, salt, yeast, and water.
- The dough will be very sticky – that’s normal!
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook (or mix with a spoon and wet hands) until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
✅ Step 3: First Rise
- Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl.
- Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
✅ Step 4: Shape the Loaves
- Dust a surface heavily with flour.
- Gently pour the dough out – do not punch down.
- Divide into 2 long, flat loaves (like slippers).
- Sprinkle more flour on top to prevent sticking.
✅ Step 5: Second Rise
- Let the loaves rise on a floured surface for another 45–60 minutes.
✅ Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Carefully transfer the loaves onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crusty.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
🥖 Tips for Perfect Ciabatta:
- The dough should be very wet and soft – resist adding too much flour.
- For an extra crispy crust, place a tray of hot water in the oven while baking to create steam.
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