| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 7g | 1g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 11g | 0.65g |
About Pane Siciliano
Introducing you to the delectable delicacy that has been stealing hearts across Italy, we bring forth the charm of Pane Siciliano. This artisanal bread, hailing from the beautiful island of Sicily, is a perfect blend of tradition and culinary excellence, and promises a gourmet experience that is truly unforgettable. Famed for its distinct, spiral s-shape, a golden hue with a tinge of sesame, and a unique blend of flavours that dance upon the palate, the bread is second to none when it comes to indulging in the true essence of Italian culinary excellence.
The Endearing Character of Pane Siciliano
The Pane Siciliano is one-of-a-kind; it’s not just a bread, but a celebration of hearty flavours and rich textures. There is something incredibly magnificent about how simple ingredients come together to create a unique taste that is, undeniably, much more than the sum of its parts. Olive oil and semolina flour lend a rustic texture whilst unbleached bread flour, instant yeast, and a hint of sugar add that airy lightness. A sprinkle of salt is the magical touch that brings alive all these flavours and ties them into a spectacular sensory experience. The bread is then carefully hand-shaped into its characteristic s-curve, before it is dusted with a layer of sesame seeds for an added touch of flavour.
The Unrivaled Versatility of Pane Siciliano
While Pane Siciliano is unarguably delicious to eat on its own, it is equally versatile when paired with different dishes. Its subtle flavours make it the perfect accompaniment to rich stews, robust soups, and hearty sauces, with the bread doing a fabulous job of absorbing and complementing their flavours. Similar in texture and style to a French baguette, Pane Siciliano also pairs very nicely with gourmet cheeses and fine wines – a go-to choice for an authentic, traditional Italian dinner.
Pro tip: Try the bread toasted and spread with a bit of garlic butter, as a side to a lavish pasta meal. Alternatively, you can use it to make gourmet sandwiches, bruschetta, or even as a crust for your homemade pizza. This versatile bread bestows a touch of authenticity upon whatever it touches.
For more on Pane Siciliano bread-making method, click here or if you wish to trace its historical roots and cultural significance, click here.
The splendour of the Pane Siciliano, needless to say, lies within its simplicity – its different elements coming together harmoniously to create an art piece rather than just a piece of bread. One bite into a slice of this bread and you’ll feel nothing short of sublime, losing yourself in the incredible journey of flavours that takes you straight to the heart of Sicily.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups Unbleached Bread Flour
- 1.5 cups Semolina Flour
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Instant Yeast
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1.5 cups Water, lukewarm
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
Method
Step One
First, combine your 4 cups of Unbleached Bread Flour, 1.5 cups of Semolina Flour, 2 tsp of Salt, 1 tbsp of Sugar, and 2 tsp of Instant Yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir all ingredients together until well mixed.
Step Two
Next, make a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour your 2 tbsp of Olive Oil and 1.5 cups of lukewarm Water into this well. Start mixing the dough by gradually bringing in the dry ingredients from the sides of the bowl into the liquid in the center. Continue this process until all ingredients are combined and a dough is formed.
Step Three
Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it has a smooth and elastic texture. If the dough sticks too much to your hands or the surface, you can add some additional flour, but try not to add too much, since this could make the bread too dry.
Step Four
Place the kneaded dough in a large, greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Five
After the dough has risen, punch it down to remove the air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf shape and then roll it in the 1 tbsp of Sesame Seeds, so the outer surface is covered.
Step Six
Place the loaf on a baking sheet and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Step Seven
Bake the loaf in your preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, until the bread has a golden brown color and sounds hollow when you tap on it. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
