| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 205 | 5g | 1g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 3g | 0.39g |
About Gluten-Free Pane Toscano
An Introduction to Gluten-Free Pane Toscano
If you’re searching for a scrumptious, gluten-free alternative to your usual loaf, the Gluten-Free Pane Toscano is here to satiate your cravings. This bread, hailing from the rustic heartlands of Tuscany, Italy, has been given a modern and dietary spin, yet preserves the hearty and soul-nourishing character of the original recipe.
A hallmark of this bread is its pleasant blend of textures, a semi-firm crust encasing an interior that is tender and airy. The Gluten-Free Pane Toscano is distinctive in its versatility – It’s as perfect a match for your morning toast as it is for sopping up a luscious, garlicky tomato sauce at dinner.
The Magic of Gluten-Free Bread
Baking gluten-free bread is somewhat of a science experiment but do not feel intimidated. Instead, take it as an opportunity to explore and understand the production of flavors and textures typically achieved with gluten-containing bread. The clever use of xanthan gum, apple cider vinegar and the right quality gluten-free flour duplicate the chewy, springy qualities of traditional bread.
Check here for more information on gluten-free baking.
Perfect Pairings for Gluten-Free Pane Toscano
When it comes to pairing, the Gluten-Free Pane Toscano is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Mimicking its Tuscan origins, it works perfectly alongside a flavorful Tuscan-Bean Soup or served with an aromatic Italian cured meat platter. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, try it with this fantastic Avocado Tomato Toast recipe. Its mild flavor also makes it a good foundation for stronger tasting ingredients. Make an open-faced sandwich, topped with blue cheese, figs, and a drizzle of honey or slice it up to serve with a cheese board.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of gluten-free flour
- 2 teaspoons of xanthan gum (omit if your flour already contains it)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of dry active yeast
- 1 cup of warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Method
Step One
Combine the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if your flour doesn’t already have it), sugar, salt, and dry active yeast in a large bowl. Make sure these dry ingredients are well mixed together.
Step Two
Gradually add the warm water to the mixture, being careful to ensure the temperature is within the given range (110 to 115 degrees F). Failing to keep it within this range could negatively affect the yeast’s reactivity.
Step Three
Once you’ve added the warm water, mix again until the ingredients start to combine. Then, add the olive oil and apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Blend again until all ingredients are evenly distributed and there are no large lumps. Your dough should be slightly sticky, but not watery.
Step Four
Now, you need to let your dough rise. Cover the bowl with a clean, slightly damp cloth and let it sit in a warm place for about an hour. During this time the yeast will react, causing the dough to roughly double in size.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) while your dough is rising. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and shape into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step Six
If desired, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of your loaf for extra flavor and texture. This is optional, and you can omit this step if you prefer.
Step Seven
Place the loaf into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your gluten-free Pane Toscano!
