Pasta Basica ( Basic Dough)
- Ready In:
- 1hr 5mins
- Ingredients:
- 5
- Yields:
-
1 loaf of bread
ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 3⁄4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 -5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- extra virgin olive oil
directions
- In a large bowl, disolve the yeast in 1/4 c.
- of the warm water.
- Allow the yeast to proof until it is foamy, about 10 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1 1/2 c.
- water and the salt.
- Add the flour 1 c.
- at a time; you may not need all of it.
- Work the mixture until it comes together in a ball.
- Place the dough on a floured work surface and knead it for 5 to 10 minutes, folding the dough over on itself several times, until it is shiny and elastic.
- Grease a bowl generously with olive oil; put the dough in the bowl and turn a few times to coat with the oil.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place, free from drafts, and let rise for 3 to 4 hours, or until doubled in size.
- The more slowly the dough rises, the tangier the flavor will be.
- Punch the dough down, turn it onto a floured work surface, and knead a few times.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Set a baking stone on the bottom rack to preheat for 30 minutes; or preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- and lightly grease a baking sheet and dust with cornmeal.
- Shape the dough into an oval or a round loaf.
- Place the dough on a baker's peel dusted with cornmeal, if using a baking stone, or on the greased baking sheet.
- Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Cut several parallel slashes about 1/2 in.
- deep in the top of the loaf with a razor blade or make an X with scissors.
- If using a baking stone, sprinkle the preheated stone with cornmeal and carefully slide the bread onto it.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is a golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped with your knuckles.
- If baking on a baking sheet, bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
Leslie in Texas
Spring, Texas