Rustic Italian Corn Bread

Name: Rustic Italian Corn Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 145 min
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 cup coarse cornmeal (preferably stone-ground); 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp active dry yeast; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 cup warm water (about 43°C (110°F)); 2 tbsp olive oil

145 min 8 slices Medium

All Recipes

This Rustic Italian Corn Bread is a hearty and flavourful loaf, perfect for any meal. Its rich texture and savoury taste make it a delightful addition to your bread repertoire.

Prep

20 min

Cook

35 min

Total

145 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Rustic Italian Corn Bread is a delightful blend of traditional Italian bread-making and the hearty texture of cornmeal. This bread is perfect for those who love a dense, flavourful loaf with a slightly crunchy crust and a soft, tender crumb. The inclusion of cornmeal gives this bread a unique texture that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or simply with a spread of butter. It's a versatile addition to any meal and is sure to become a favourite in your home.

Instructions

Prepare the yeast mixture

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

Pro tip: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and salt.

Pro tip: Use a whisk to evenly distribute the salt through the flour and cornmeal.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms.

Pro tip: A wooden spoon works best for combining the dough initially.

Knead the dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Pro tip: If the dough is sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour as you knead.

First rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Pro tip: A warm kitchen or an oven with the light on creates a perfect rising environment.

Shape and second rise

Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Pro tip: For a more rustic look, make shallow cuts on the top of the loaf before the second rise.

Preheat and bake

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Cool and serve

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: Cooling the bread allows the crumb to set, making it easier to slice.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use coarse cornmeal for a rustic texture.
Ensure yeast is fresh for optimal rise.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rustic Italian Corn Bread?

Rustic Italian Corn Bread is a hearty, flavourful bread made with flour, cornmeal, and olive oil. It features a crispy crust and a tender crumb.

How many calories are in a slice of Rustic Italian Corn Bread?

Each slice of Rustic Italian Corn Bread contains approximately 210 calories.

How long does it take to make Rustic Italian Corn Bread?

The total time to make Rustic Italian Corn Bread is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Can Rustic Italian Corn Bread be made ahead?

Yes, Rustic Italian Corn Bread can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to a month.

What pairs well with Rustic Italian Corn Bread?

This bread pairs well with soups, stews, and pasta dishes. It's also delicious with a simple spread of butter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Rustic Italian Corn Bread warm with a generous spread of butter, or use it to soak up the rich sauces of your favourite Italian dishes. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups, stews, and pasta dishes. This bread can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to refresh its crust before serving.

Nutrition per serving

210

Calories

Protein

Fat

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