What are friselle?
Friselle, also known as frise, are baked goods originating from Southern Italy. They are a type of durum wheat bread that is made into round shapes with a hole in the center. After being baked, friselle are sliced in half and then toasted or grilled to make them crunchy.
Ingredients for making friselle
- 500g durum wheat flour
- 7g dry yeast
- 10g sugar
- 10g salt
- 300ml lukewarm water
Step-by-step guide to prepare friselle
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the durum wheat flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture.
4. Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
8. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into small balls, around the size of a golf ball.
9. Roll each ball into a flat, round shape about 1/2 inch thick, making sure to poke a hole in the center using your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon.
10. Place the friselle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
11. Once the friselle are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
12. To enjoy friselle, slice them horizontally in half and grill or toast them until they become crispy.
How to serve friselle
Friselle can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on your preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Spread some fresh tomato sauce over the sliced friselle, then top them with mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Try a more traditional approach by soaking the friselle in water for a few seconds until they soften, then topping them with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano and salt.
- Pair your friselle with some homemade hummus, pesto sauce, or your favorite dip for a delightful snack.
Whether you’re enjoying friselle as a breakfast treat or as part of a light lunch, their satisfying crunch and versatility make them a fantastic addition to any meal.
Final thoughts
Now that you know how to prepare the perfect friselle at home, it’s time to unleash your culinary skills and enjoy this delightful Italian bread. Remember to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to find your favorite way to savor friselle. Buon appetito!