Jai's Recipes

Ciabatta bread is the most versatile yet tastiest bread around with its airy crumb. Perfect for using in sandwiches, wonderful with soup, served with entrees, spread with pesto or tapenade, absolutely delicious in bruschetta…the list goes on. While some may think its a bit more challenging to handle because of it’s high hydration content, I think it it’s easy because its very forgiving to shape. Its my daughters’ favorite along with the Focaccia bread. I make this with a sourdough starter to give it additional flavor.

Servings: 6 rolls.

PREP: 20 minutes COOK: 20 mins TOTAL:  5 hours

Ingredients

• 2 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 sourdough starter
  

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sourdough starter. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy. 
2. Add salt, then gradually stir in bread flour using a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
3. Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough just enough to bring it together—this should only take 30 seconds to 1 minute.
   
4. Let the dough sit covered for an hour and 30 minutes preferably in a warm spot
5. Gently stretch the dough and fold it from the edges toward the center, rotating 90 degrees each time. Repeat this 4-5 times to build structure. Let dough rest for 30 minutes
6. Repeat the stretching and rotating of the dough another 2 times.

2. Shape the Dough

1. Lightly flour a work surface and scrape the dough onto it.
2. Shape the dough into a log and cut it into 6 pieces and place it on a piece of parchment paper.
3. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 40 minutes for a second rise.

4. Preheat the Oven  

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (232°C).

5.  Bake the Rolls

1. Lightly dust the dough  rolls with flour 
2. Carefully lift the parchment paper and place the dough into the hot oven.
3. Cover with the lid and bake for 20-25 minutes top is brown.

6. Cool & Serve

• Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving
• Enjoy warm!
  

Notes:

Muffins can be stored in a plastic container for a week.