JUST ITALIAN BREAD
This is a basic free form loaf of simple, delicious Italian Bread. I make it regularly, and have never messed it up--which is saying a lot;-) Substitute a cup of whole wheat or spelt flour for one of the cups of all-purpose for a heartier flavor and more nutritional value. This bread is definitely best on day of baking; like French bread, it goes stale after the first day. Use any left-over to make dry bread-crumbs for other recipes. From Confident Cooking Breads and Rolls.
Provided by Serah B.
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h10m
Yield 1 loaf
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. Cover and leave in warm place until frothy--approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sift 3 cups flour with salt into a large bowl. Make a well in the center.
- Pour yeast/water mixture, Agave, oil, and 1 cup extra water into the well.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir until mixture is well-combined and forms a rough ball. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Add extra flour as necessary to form a smooth ball.
- Place dough in large, lightly oiled bowl. Brush surface of dough with oil. Cover and leave to rise in warm place for about 1 hour or until well risen.
- Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal.
- Punch down dough and knead for 1 minute. Shape dough into smooth ball and place on prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten top.
- Using a sharp knife, slash a criss-cross/checkerboard pattern into the top of the dough. Cover and leave to rise in warm place for about 1 hour or until well risen.
- Preheat oven to 350°F Place a shallow baking dish containing 2 cups of water in the bottom of the oven to help bread form a hard crust.
- Brush dough with glaze of water and salt; sprinkle with cornmeal or flour.
- Bake 35-40 minutes or until base of bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.
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Julia Singwane
[email protected]This is the best Italian bread recipe I've ever tried. I highly recommend it!
Waqas Nooruddin
[email protected]I had some trouble shaping the dough, but the bread still turned out delicious.
Donavon Anderson
[email protected]This bread is a bit too dense for my taste. I prefer a lighter, airier texture.
Mugho
[email protected]I've made this bread several times and it's always a hit. My friends and family love it!
Rhoda Amankwaah
[email protected]I love the crispy crust on this bread. It's the perfect addition to any meal.
Kara Kim
[email protected]This is my go-to recipe for Italian bread. It's so easy to make and always turns out perfect.
Emam Hussen
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly, but my bread didn't rise as much as I expected. It still tasted good, but I'm not sure what went wrong.
kamran saleem Kamran
[email protected]This bread is so versatile! I've used it for sandwiches, croutons, and even French toast. It always turns out great.
Heaven Mag
[email protected]Wow! This bread is amazing! The aroma while baking filled my kitchen and made my mouth water. The crust was crispy and the inside was soft and fluffy. I'll definitely be making this again.
Tewodros Ashenafi
[email protected]Not bad for a first attempt at Italian bread! I especially appreciated the detailed instructions and helpful tips provided in the recipe. The bread came out slightly dense, but still had a nice flavor.
Maryam ibrahim baba
[email protected]I'm a big fan of crusty bread, and this recipe delivered. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the bread rose beautifully in the oven. It had a great flavor and texture, and was a hit with my family.
Yetunde Adeshina
[email protected]This Italian bread was a breeze to make, and it turned out so delicious! I was able to whip up a batch in under an hour, rising time included. The golden crust and soft, fluffy center were the perfect complement to my dinner.