Ciabatta

Ingredients

• 350 g sifted wheat flour
• 280 g lukewarm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp active dry yeast

Steps

1. Dissolve the salt and yeast in lukewarm water.
2. Add the sifted wheat flour and olive oil to the lukewarm water.
3. Mix.
4. After thorough mixing, once the dough has a uniform texture and consistency, cover and leave to rest in a warm place for 45 minutes.
5. Take out and begin to work the dough once more, stretching it and folding it over itself on all four corners.
6. Add flour to the surface to prevent sticking.
7. Cover and leave to rest for about 30 minutes, during which time the dough will rise.
8. Repeat this process by stretching the dough and folding it over itself on all sides, allowing air pockets to form (which makes the bread airy when baked).
9. Cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
10. Repeat the above process once more and leave the dough to settle for 30 minutes while covered.
11. Take up the dough and place on a baking sheet.
12. Cut the dough into equal parts to form into smaller, separate elongated loaves.
13. Place the dough in the pre-heated oven.
14. Bake at 430 °F for 18 minutes.