Ciabatta (Crusty Slipper Bread)

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1

Ciabatta (Crusty Slipper Bread) recipe for your lunch or dinner meal

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

18 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

2 loaves

Calories

150 per slice

Sugar

Fat

0.5g

Ciabatta is an Italian bread that was first developed in the 1980s. It is a rustic bread that is characterized by its crispy crust and airy, chewy texture. The word "ciabatta" means "slipper" in Italian, which is a reference to the bread's shape, which is similar to a slipper. This bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side for a variety of dishes, and is sure to impress your dinner guests. While it does require a bit of planning and effort to make, the end result is well worth it.

Instructions

1.	In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups of the flour with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the yeast. Stir in the warm water and mix until a wet, sticky dough forms.
2.	Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.
3.	Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with cornmeal.
4.	Dump the dough onto a floured surface and sprinkle it with the remaining flour and salt. Fold the dough over onto itself a few times to incorporate the flour.
5.	Cut into 2 pieces and shape each into an oval. Place on the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with flour.
6.	Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

PROS

Ciabatta has a delicious, crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior, making it perfect for sandwiches or as a side for soups and stews.

It can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.

CONS

Ciabatta can be a bit labor-intensive, as it requires a long rising time and several steps to shape and bake.

It is also a higher calorie bread and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Ciabatta is made with unbleached flour, which contains more nutrients than bleached flour. It also contains yeast, which has probiotic benefits to support gut health.
However, like all breads, it should be eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

	4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
	2 teaspoons salt
	2 teaspoons active dry yeast
	2 cups warm water , about 110 degrees
	olive oil , for the bowl
	cornmeal ( for the sliding pan )