Ciabatta Bread is a beloved classic in the realm of yeast breads, celebrated for its rustic appearance and delightful chewiness. Named for its resemblance to a slipper (hence its Italian moniker “ciabatta”), this bread is a perfect companion to slices of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and dry sausage, making it a favored choice for casual gatherings and cozy meals alike.
Background and Inspiration
The origins of ciabatta trace back to Italy, where it gained popularity for its characteristic open crumb structure and robust texture. Its creation is often credited to Francesco Favaron, a baker from Veneto, who aimed to develop a bread that could hold up well to Italy’s flavorful olive oils and aged cheeses. Over time, ciabatta has become a staple in both artisanal bakeries and home kitchens worldwide.
Recipe Overview
This recipe for Ciabatta Bread is tailored for a bread machine, leveraging its convenience to handle the wet, sticky dough that defines this bread’s unique texture. The dough enhancer included in the recipe is optional but recommended for enhancing the rise, texture, crumb, and crust of the bread.
Key Ingredients
- Dry Yeast: Essential for leavening the bread.
- Water: Provides hydration for gluten development.
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough, contributing to the bread’s structure.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and controls yeast activity.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and contributes to a softer crumb.
- Lecithin Granules: Acts as an emulsifier, aiding in the dough’s texture.
- Ginger (optional): Helps activate the yeast more quickly.
- Dough Enhancer (optional): A blend that includes ascorbic acid to strengthen gluten and improve rise.
Instructions
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Preparing the Dough: Combine yeast, water, flour, salt, olive oil, and optional lecithin granules (and ginger if using) in the bread machine in the specified order. Set the machine to the dough or manual cycle and start.
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Monitoring the Dough: After a few minutes into the kneading cycle, check the consistency. Adjust water if needed to achieve a very wet, batter-like dough that just forms a ball and does not clean the sides of the pan.
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First Rise: Allow the dough to complete one knead cycle and one rise cycle in the machine.
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Shaping: Transfer the risen dough onto a floured surface. Divide it into three equal pieces using a dough scraper. Shape each piece into flat, irregular oval shapes and place them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart.
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Second Rise: Drizzle the tops of the dough with olive oil. Let them rise in a warm, draft-free area until almost doubled in size, approximately 20 minutes.
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Preparation for Baking: Position the oven rack in the upper third position and preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Press fingertips into the dough to create characteristic dimples on the surface.
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Baking: Bake the ciabatta until the tops are dry and golden brown. If using the dough enhancer, note that the loaves may remain pale after baking due to its composition.
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Cooling and Serving: Transfer the baked ciabattas to a cooling rack and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the bread to achieve its ideal texture.
Dough Enhancer Recipe
If you choose to make your own dough enhancer, here’s a simple recipe:
- Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, lecithin granules, ginger.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in a tightly closed glass jar. Use an amount equal to the yeast when adding to the bread machine along with other dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 473 per serving
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 1170.2 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 98.2 grams
- Fiber: 4.4 grams
- Sugar: 0.4 grams
- Protein: 14.6 grams
Conclusion
Ciabatta Bread, with its rustic charm and chewy texture, remains a favorite among bread enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or paired with your favorite cheeses and meats, this recipe offers a glimpse into the artistry and satisfaction of baking homemade bread. Embrace the process, experiment with flavors, and savor each bite of this Italian slipper bread—it’s a true testament to the joy of baking at home.
