ITALIAN BREAD BOWL For Soup or Chili
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast or 2 full Tbsp.
7 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 egg white
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups warm water
2 tsp salt
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
Let stand until creamy
Add salt, oil and 4 cups flour to the yeast mixture; beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, (to save time can beat mixer at medium speed using paddle type attachment beating after each addition) or by hand vigorously till well blended into elastic ball
When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. or put kneading attachment on stand mixer and add a small amount of flour as it mixes to get the stickiness out of the dough..
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.
Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
Punch dough down,
turn out onto lightly floured surface
first even out into round, and divide into 4 equal portions
cut
now divide the 4’s making 8 equal portions
Shape each portion into a 4 inch round loaf. Place loaves on lightly greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal.
Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 35 minutes
Preheat oven to 400 degrees . In a small bowl, beat together egg white and 1 tablespoon water;
lightly brush the loaves with half of this egg wash.(don’t make my mistake I brushed too hard and they fell as they are delicate)
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes THEN…Brush with remaining egg mixture
sprinkle tops with cornmeal lightly
and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until golden take out and cool
To make bread bowls:
Cut a 1/2 inch thick slice from top of each loaf; scoop out centers, and around sides leaving 3/4-inch-thick shells Save top lid for dipping
Fill bread bowls with hot soup or chili top with cheese and put under broiler till cheese melts
place top on side of bowl for extra dipping power and serve immediately.. (unused bowls can be put in plastic ziploc till ready to use)
ENJOY with any soup.. potato, broccoli, Chili, stew, even loaded mac and cheese is great in this bowl.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
