Ciabatta means slipper in Italian and
ciabatta bread is said to resemble slippers. Oval or rectanglular in shape, with a slightly domed top, the
combination of ciabatta's crisp, tender crust and airy interior makes a light but crunchy
bread that is perfect for sandwiches or panini. When making the ciabatta bread the
dough will be very sticky but do not add more flour. The starter or sponge must be
prepared at least 12 hours before the actual mixing of the bread dough. Also note that
the bread is baked on a pizza stone which adds to the crispness of the ciabatta's crust.
Ingredients:
Starter Dough:
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons water (105 - 115 degrees F)
1/3 cup warm water (room temperature)
1 cup bread flour
Bread Dough:
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons milk (105 -115 degrees F)
2/3 cup warm water (room temperature)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups bread flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Directions:
To make the
starter:
Stir together the 2 tablespoons of heated water and the yeast.
Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until it begins to bubble. Transfer mixture to a
small bowl. Add warm water and flour. Stir for 2 minutes. Cover bowl with
plastic wrap.
Let sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours.
To make the bread:
In a small bowl, stir together the yeast and milk. Let sit 5-10 minutes until
it begins to bubble. Transfer mixture to an electric-mixer bowl with a dough
hook.
Add starter dough, warm water, oil, flour,
and salt. Blend at low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat
for 6-7 minutes. Transfer dough to a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Let sit at room temperature about 1-1/2
hours or until double in volume.
Cut 2 pieces of parchment paper, approximately 12 x 6-inches. Put the paper on
a baking sheet and flour well. Transfer dough to a well-floured surface and cut
in half. Place one piece of dough on each piece of parchment paper. Form each
piece into a rectangular loaf approximately 10 inches long. With well-floured
fingers, make dimples in the top of the
dough. Dust tops with a little flour.
Cover with a damp kitchen towel. Let sit at room temperature 1-1/2 to 2 hours
or until double in volume.
About 45 minutes before baking the bread, place a pizza stone on the lowest
rack in your oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Allow the pizza
stone to preheat for at least 45 minutes. Transfer one loaf with the parchment
paper to the pizza stone in the oven.* Bake for 20 minutes or until
lightly golden brown.
Remove to cooling rack and repeat with
second loaf.
* If you have a large rectangle pizza stone that will accommodate both
loaves without crowding, you can bake both loaves at the same time.
Source: http://mangiabenepasta.com