Classic Italian bread is related to the French baguette: a long loaf with a crisp crust and chewy interior. It is generally made with unbleached bread flour, which has more protein than all-purpose flour. It has fewer calories than many kinds of bread, because there is no fat in the recipe.
Ingredients
A loaf of classic Italian bread is made with 4 cups of unbleached bread flour, 1 tsp. of yeast, 2 tsp. of salt and about 2 cups of warm water. You can substitute 100 percent whole-wheat flour for the bread flour, for a healthier bread.
Calories
This recipe makes about 12 servings. It can be shaped into one long loaf or four smaller batons. Made with whole-wheat flour, each serving, about 3 oz., has 137 calories, less than 1 g of fat, 4 g fiber and 4 g of protein, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture nutrient database.
Technique
Bread made with whole-wheat flour is more nutritious than bread made with white flour, however it isn't as light. The bran in whole wheat prevents the gluten from developing as well. To achieve the lightness, crisp crust and chewy interior of classic Italian bread, give the dough extra time to rise. Shape it into batons and slash the surface of the bread with a very sharp knife. Cover the batons with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
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