Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, transporting you straight to the heart of Italy with every bite. The Royal Crowns Tortano, also known simply as Bread, is not just any loaf; it’s a delightful culinary journey that combines simple ingredients to create a crusty exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family. Ready to unleash your inner baker? Let’s dive into the world of Italian bread-making and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the remaining 1 cup of water and the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it back to the floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 10-15 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen again, use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make a few shallow slashes on the top of the loaf. This will help the bread expand while baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your Royal Crowns Tortano!
Tips
- Use Warm Water: Ensure the water is warm (around 110°F or 43°C) when dissolving the yeast. This temperature activates the yeast effectively, leading to a better rise.
- Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes is crucial. This develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.
- Let it Rise: Be patient during the rising times. The dough should double in size, which usually takes about 30 minutes. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for this step.
- Score the Loaf: Don’t skip the shallow slashes on top of the loaf before baking. This allows the bread to expand properly in the oven, creating a beautiful crust.
- Check for Doneness: Your bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps set the texture and keeps the crust crispy.With these tips in hand, you're all set to bake a stunning Royal Crowns Tortano that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
