Pane del Pastore - Italian Shepherd's Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) salt 2 teaspoons (8g) salt
• 2 teaspoons (8g) active dry yeast 2 teaspoons (8g) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 0.5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 400mg

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and add the olive oil.
4. 4.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
8. 8.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf.
9. 9.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Whole wheat flour — Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the bread. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can replace half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. If your yeast doesn't foam after dissolving it in warm water, it may be expired, and the bread won't rise properly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crustier bread, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
• You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
• To check if the bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
• Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box to maintain its crustiness.

Serving advice

Serve Pane del Pastore warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Presentation advice

Present the Pane del Pastore on a wooden cutting board or a rustic bread basket. You can sprinkle some flour on top of the loaf for an authentic touch.