Ciabatta bread
Ciabatta, an Italian bread known for its crisp crust and airy, tender crumb, has become a favorite among bread enthusiasts worldwide. The name “ciabatta” means “slipper” in Italian, reflecting the bread’s broad, flat shape.
This rustic loaf, with its characteristic irregular holes, is perfect for sandwiches, dipping into olive oil, or simply enjoying on its own. The magic of ciabatta lies in its simplicity and the meticulous process of making it, which involves creating a highly hydrated dough that results in its unique texture.
Originating from the Lombardy region of Italy in the early 1980s, ciabatta was developed as a response to the popularity of French baguettes. Italian bakers aimed to create a bread that could rival the baguette while showcasing the richness of Italian baking traditions.
The result was a bread that quickly gained international acclaim and became a staple in bakeries and home kitchens alike.
One of the hallmarks of ciabatta is its high hydration dough. This means that the dough contains a significant amount of water, which contributes to the bread’s open crumb and chewy texture.
500 grams (4 cups) all-purpose flour
10 grams (2 teaspoons) salt
5 grams (1 teaspoon) active dry yeast
400 milliliters (1 2/3 cups) water, at room temperature
10 grams (2 teaspoons) olive oil
Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
