Description
Ciabatta is a rustic Italian white bread known for its airy, open crumb and a wonderfully chewy crust. The name means "slipper" in Italian, referring to its long, flat shape. This recipe uses a "biga," a type of pre-ferment that gives the bread a more complex flavor and its characteristic holey structure. While the dough is very wet and can be tricky to handle, the result is a beautifully rustic loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving with soups and stews.
A Taste of History
Ciabatta is a relatively modern Italian bread, created in 1982 by a baker in Verona, Italy, in response to the popularity of the French baguette. The goal was to create a bread that could compete with the baguette for making sandwiches. Its high hydration and use of a pre-ferment give it a unique texture and flavor that has since made it popular worldwide.
Prep Time
12 hours
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
12 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients & Nutrition
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Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- Baking Stone or Sheet
Instructions
0 of 8 steps completed
Reviews & Photos
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