Grandfather's Bread

“Grandfather’s Bread” are rustic and tasty sandwiches originating from the Italian culinary tradition. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients

• 500 g of type 00 flour
• 300 ml of lukewarm water
• 20 g of fresh brewer’s yeast
• 10 g of sugar
• 10 g of salt
• 40 g of lard or extra virgin olive oil
• Durum wheat semolina flour (for processing)

Preparation

1. Dissolve the brewer’s yeast in the lukewarm water with the sugar and let it rest for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, pour the type 00 flour and make a well in the center where you will add the dissolved yeast.
3. Start kneading by gradually adding the rest of the water and the oil or lard.
4. When the dough starts to take shape, add the salt and continue to work until you have a smooth and homogenous dough.
5. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a damp kitchen towel, for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, deflate it and divide it into balls of about 80-100 g each.
7. Shape the balls into round or elongated sandwiches, as you prefer, and roll them in the durum wheat semolina.
8. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel and let them rest again for about 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 200 °C and, once the sandwiches have well risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack.

Curiosity

“Grandfather’s Bread” has peasant origins and is characterized by its crispy crust and soft inside, perfect for dipping in sauces or filling with cold cuts and cheeses. The durum wheat semolina used in the outer processing gives that rustic and flavorful touch typical of this homemade bread.