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Ciabatta with holes too big

Italian

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7 replies to this topic

#1 seabream

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 12:40 PM

I made ciabatta for the first time, and I think the holes in the baked loaf are a bit too big (see photo attached). What did I do wrong?

I searched the internet quite a bit, and I found lots of people striving for ciabatta with big irregular holes, and not quite able to achieve it, but I found no one with the same problem as me.

I followed Jeffrey Hamelman's recipe of Ciabatta with Poolish, which has 73% hydration, and calls for two folds during bulk fermentation. I followed the recipe as described in the book, to the best of my ability.

The ciabatta tasted so good that I am eager to make it again. However, I'd like to know what I should do different to achieve a better texture.

Thank you in advance for any replies!

Attached Images

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Edited by seabream, 23 March 2012 - 12:41 PM.


#2 rickster

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 12:45 PM

I don't know, I think that looks pretty close to perfect. In fact the holes could be a bit bigger.

#3 weinoo

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 01:15 PM

I agree - the holes are fine for ciabatta.

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#4 ambra

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 01:23 PM

I agree with the others but I just watched a video on preparing ciabatta if it could of help to you:


#5 Chris Hennes

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 01:26 PM

I'll add to the chorus, I think that Ciabatta looks just about perfect.

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#6 Mjx

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 02:30 PM

Looks good to me, too. I grew up with it, and this is pretty much what I expect and demand.
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#7 seabream

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 04:03 PM

Got it! :)
I'm glad that's the case.
I appreciate all the knowledge shared here!

#8 andiesenji

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Posted 23 March 2012 - 05:00 PM

I agree with the others. I think your ciabatta is beautiful. Wish mine turned out as nice on a regular basis.
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