What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 ½ cups of warm water (around 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Cornmeal for dusting
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a quick stir, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a sticky dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. Add additional flour if the dough is too sticky. Kneading helps develop gluten, giving your bread a chewy texture.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Bread
Punch down the risen dough to release any air pockets. Transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Final Rise
Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, allowing it to increase in size once again.
Step 7: Preheat and Score
While the dough is undergoing its final rise, preheat your oven to 425°F. Once heated, carefully score the top of the bread with a sharp knife or razor blade. This scoring will help the bread expand and create a beautiful crust during the baking process.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet with the scored dough in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the Calabrese bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of your homemade creation! This bread is perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or simply paired with your favorite olive oil.
There you have it! A step-by-step guide to making homemade Calabrese bread. With a little practice, you’ll soon become a master bread baker, delighting everyone with your delicious creations. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the warm satisfaction of baking your own Calabrese bread.