Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine warm water and honey. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

By Hand: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Using Stand Mixer: Attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

First Rise:

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 4 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Loaves:

Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Using your fingers, create a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch it to form a ring, resembling a large doughnut with a hole about 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter.

Second Rise:

Place the shaped dough rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 1-2 hours until slightly puffed.

Preheat the Oven:

About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

Bake the Bread:

If desired, lightly brush the tops of the loaves with olive oil for a golden crust. Transfer the loaves to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool the Loaves:

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This ensures the interior sets properly.

Variations and Tips

Flour Substitutions:

While traditional Pitta Calabrese uses type "0" flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour or a mix of all-purpose and bread flour for a slightly different texture.

Yeast Alternatives:

If you prefer using fresh yeast, substitute 10g of fresh yeast for the active dry yeast. Dissolve it in the warm water with honey as per the instructions.

Dietary Considerations:

For a vegan version, ensure the honey is replaced with sugar or agave syrup.

Flavor Enhancements:

Incorporate chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like rosemary into the dough for added flavor.