Ciabatta

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.