Ciabatta

This sounds fiddly, because you have to start it the day before, but it’s still quite easy, and has a lovely sour taste.

 

Starter ingredients:

½ tsp yeast

8 tbsp warm water

150 g strong white bread flour

 

Dough ingredients:

275 g strong white bread flour

½ tsp yeast

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp milk (I used rice milk)

150 ml warm water

 

Instructions:

1. Mix the yeast with 2 tbsp of warm water, then leave for a few minutes. Add the rest of the water and the flour and mix, then leave for 12-36 hours (depending on how sour you like it).

2. Mix the dough ingredients together. Mix in the starter. Knead or mix in a machine for about 5 minutes.

3. Transfer to a lightly oiled mixing bowl and leave to rise for 1-2 hours.

4. Divide the dough into two halves and shape into loaves. Set on a baking tray on top of baking paper and leave to rise another 1-2 hours.

5. Dimple and dust with flour, if desired.

6. Bake at 220 C for 20 minutes.