Ultimate Rustic Italian Bread

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1

Ultimate Rustic Italian Bread recipe for your dinner

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

14-20 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

200

Sugar

Fat

0.5g

Ultimate Rustic Italian Bread is a classic bread recipe that has been enjoyed by Italians for centuries. It's a simple, no-nonsense bread that's easy to make and tastes amazing. This bread has a rustic look and feel, which adds to its appeal. The crunchy crust is the perfect complement to the soft, fluffy interior. It's perfect for serving alongside a hearty soup or stew, or for making a delicious sandwich. You can also toast slices of this bread and drizzle them with olive oil for a simple, yet delicious snack.

Instructions

1.	In a large bowl, combine 2 cups bread flour and 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast.
2.	Add 1 cup lukewarm water and mix until just combined.
3.	Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 8-18 hours.
4.	In another large bowl, combine 3 cups bread flour and 1 teaspoon instant yeast.
5.	Add 1 and 1/3 cups lukewarm water and mix until just combined.
6.	Incorporate the first dough into the second one and mix well.
7.	Add 2 teaspoons salt and knead for 10-15 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
8.	Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack.
9.	Cut the dough in half and shape each piece into a ball.
10.	Transfer the balls to a floured surface, cover with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 30-60 minutes.
11.	Using a sharp knife, make shallow slashes on top of the dough and sprinkle with flour or cornmeal.
12.	Carefully transfer the bread to the hot baking surface and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
13.

PROS

This rustic Italian bread has a crispy, chewy crust and a soft, tender crumb that’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes.

It’s also very versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes that call for bread.

CONS

This bread is time-consuming to make and requires a bit of planning ahead.

It’s also high in carbohydrates and may not be suitable for people on low-carb diets.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this bread is not necessarily the healthiest option, it does contain some nutrients that are important for overall health.
The whole wheat flour provides fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, while the sourdough fermentation process may improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

	2 cups bread flour
	1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
	1 cup water , lukewarm
	3 cups bread flour
	1 teaspoon instant yeast
	1 1/3 cups water , lukewarm
	2 teaspoons salt
	butter ( optional )