Ciabatta
© Julian Kutos

© Julian Kutos
Mediterranean bread spice
Ingredients
Pluck oregano and rosemary leaves, remove stems. Place herbs and lavender in food processor and grind finely on high speed. Add salt and mix briefly. Fill into jars, store in a dry, dark place.
Ciabatta
Ingredients
Add the water and oil to a mixing bowl, then add all the other ingredients. Work into a dough and knead slowly for 10 minutes. Season the dough to taste and add salt as needed, it should taste slightly salty and sweet. It should be elastic and come away cleanly from the mixing bowl. Cover the dough with cling film and leave to rise for 2 hours at room temperature. Preheat oven to 220°C. Divide the dough into rectangular pieces each weighing 150g. Cover with cling film and leave to rise for 20 minutes. To shape, roll the dough once from the outside to the inside, shape into ciabatta. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The ciabatta should not brown, but remain a light colour. Bake with steam for optimum results, this can be achieved by putting a shallow, oven proof dish of water into the oven alongside the ciabatta. Remove from the tray and allow to cool.
FIND OUT MORE
-
Mediterranean Focaccia Bread with Grana Padano and San DanieleThis is what Italy tastes like: a summery recipe by chef Andrea Mantovani.
-
Spelt & Wild Garlic BreadSeasonal specialty bread that has the aroma of spring with the inclusion of wild garlic.
-
Tuscan Classic: Panzanella with Red Peppers and CeleryAn Italian bread salad with plenty of vegetables, basil and olive oil by Julian Kutos.
-
Pasta: Spaghetti il Padrino from 'The Godfather''The Godfather' trilogy made the city of Corleone famous. Here is the recipe from the film.
-
Focaccia with Figs, Salami and GorgonzolaThis sandwich combines sweet figs with creamy Gorgonzola and salty salami - a focaccia with an Italian indulgence factor!