Nothing compares to the smell and taste of freshly-baked Italian rustic herb bread. This recipe is an easy and delicious way to replicate the authentic Italian experience in your own home. Whether you’re an amateur home-baker or a seasoned professional, this recipe is sure to tingle your taste buds and wow your guests. With just 8 ingredients and under two hours of your time, you could be savoring the aromas and flavors of Italian bread in no time! In this recipe, you’ll learn exactly what steps are needed to make a scrumptious Italian rustic herb bread, and discover some top tips to ensure that every loaf comes out perfect. So, let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Poolish
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 tsp active yeast
Dough
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup + 2 tbsp water
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 3/4 tsp Italian herb mix. (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
Method
In a large bowl combine poolish ingredients, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 10 hours or overnight.
Add the flour, water, oil. and salt to the poolish and mix until dough starts to form.
Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes, or mix in a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.
Add the herbs and knead for another 2 minutes.
Form dough into a ball, transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface cut dough into 12 equal pieces, roll into balls, and then stretch into 2×8 rectangle.
Fold each rectangle by thirds like a letter, then fold in half, pinch together all seams, then roll into a 5 inch loaf with tapered ends.
Using your hand, pinkie down, make an indentation in the top of each loaf.
Cover loaves with a a dish towel and let rise for 25 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in the middle.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and place 6 loaves on each sheet.
Bake rolls, 1 batch at a time for 20 minutes or until golden.
Cool on wire racks and serve warm.
