Firstly, let’s gather the ingredients. You will need the following:
– 500 grams of durum wheat flour
– 250 milliliters of water
– 10 grams of salt
– 10 grams of yeast
– Olive oil for brushing
– Toppings of your choice (tomatoes, garlic, basil, etc.)
To start, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients together until a rough dough is formed. Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough space between them as they will rise. Cover the balls with damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rest for about 2 hours in a warm place until they double in size.
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Once the oven is ready, take each ball of dough and flatten it using your hands or a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 1 centimeter.
Once flattened, transfer the friselle onto a baking sheet and bake them for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as they can easily burn. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Once the friselle have cooled down, they are ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients. Traditionally, friselle are soaked in water for a few seconds to them, but you can skip this step if you prefer them extra crunchy.
To serve, drizzle each friselle with some olive oil and top them with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can top them with your favorite spread, cheese, or cured meats.
Friselle are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week. If they become soft, you can bake them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crunchiness.
In conclusion, making friselle at home is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create these delightful Italian snacks. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with your favorite ingredients, friselle are sure to satisfy your cravings for a crunchy and flavorful treat. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade friselle?