Authentic Tuscan Bread Recipe - A Rustic Delight

Tuscan bread, renowned for its rustic charm and hearty texture, holds a special place in Italian culinary traditions. Discover the art of making this classic bread from scratch in our step-by-step Tuscan Bread recipe guide. Whether you’re serving it with soups, stews, or as an accompaniment to your favorite dips, this homemade Tuscan bread will elevate your dining experience.

• 500g of durum wheat flour
• 300ml of warm water
• 7g of active dry yeast
• 10g of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, activate the yeast by dissolving 7g of active dry yeast in 300ml of warm water. Allow it to rest for around 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating its readiness.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine 500g of durum wheat flour with 10g of salt. Gradually pour the yeast and water mixture into the dry ingredients, ensuring a thorough mix until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it vigorously for approximately 10 minutes. Continue until the dough achieves a smooth and elastic consistency, essential for the bread’s structure.

Step 4: Let it Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and leave it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours. Expect the dough to double in size during this time.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) while the dough is rising.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

• Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured baking sheet. Shape it into a traditional Tuscan loaf, and use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts on the bread’s surface.
• Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until it achieves a beautiful golden hue and emits a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary.

Step 7: Enjoy!

• Allow your Tuscan bread to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice it and serve. Be it a companion to your hearty soups or a canvas for a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, your homemade Tuscan bread is a culinary masterpiece to savour.

Crafting Tuscan bread from scratch is a gratifying experience, and the delightful, rustic flavours are a testament to its authenticity. Share this culinary masterpiece with your loved ones and relish the true taste of Tuscany, right in your own home.