Description
Pane Toscano is a rustic, traditional Italian bread made without salt, featuring a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Its simplicity complements bold Tuscan flavors and makes it perfect for dipping, pairing with stews, or enjoying with olive oil.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups lukewarm water
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Cornmeal (for dusting)
No salt (authentic Tuscan tradition)
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and the remaining water, stirring to form a soft, sticky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if too sticky.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oval loaf. Place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with a cloth and let rise again for 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place an empty pan on the bottom rack.
- Just before baking, pour 1 cup of hot water into the empty pan to create steam. Place the bread on the center rack and close the oven door quickly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Use a 50/50 ratio of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste.
Optional: Top with rosemary or a drizzle of olive oil before baking for a modern twist.
Store at room temperature in a towel or paper bag for up to 2 days.
Freeze slices for longer storage; reheat in oven or toaster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
