Friselle bread, a type of twice-baked bread, originates from Southern Italy and is known for its long shelf-life, making it a convenient choice for those traveling long distances. Traditionally enjoyed as a staple food during hard economic times, Friselle has now evolved into a popular snack in Italy. With its versatility, you can enjoy Friselle topped with Mediterranean mixtures like olives, tomatoes, and basil.
Mix the yeast with the remaining flour and add to the dough
2 tablespoon yeast
Proceed to knead the dough until it's well combined and elastic
Once the dough is smooth, add the salt and finish kneading
1 teaspoon salt
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 2 hours
Shaping the Friselle
Cut the dough into 6 equal parts
Elongate the dough and shape it into rings
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another hour
sesame seeds for decoration
First bake
Preheat the oven to 390 F - 200 C and bake the Friselle for only 15 minutes
Once the Friselle become stable and well-risen, remove them from the oven and cut them in half crosswise while they are still warm.
Second bake
Lower the temperature of your oven to 320 F - 160 C
Place the halves Friselle on an oven rack and continue to bake until they turn golden brown and crisp.
It will take from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the flour you are using
Topping the friselle
Sprinkle your Friselle with some cold water before adding the toppings.
Season with some extra virgin olive oil
Add a juicy topping and serve
Video
Notes
Autolysis, aims to improve baking results by triggering cell self-disintegration in flour, promoting fermentation, and facilitating gluten formation.Autolysis increases sugar availability for yeast, leading to earlier and more consistent leavening.The dough becomes aerated, voluminous, and softer.Gluten forms prior to kneading, reducing processing time and enabling easier stretching.The final dough is smoother, more uniform, and drier.
Storage and Shelf Life
Friselle is known for its long shelf life.Due to their crispness and durability, you can easily store them in your pantry for extended periods without worrying about spoilage.Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them fresh and crisp.It's ideal to use airtight containers or sealable bags that prevent exposure to air, as this helps maintain their quality and texture.
Possible toppings
Fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, red onion (in Italy, we use the sweet Tropea red onion)
Fresh cheese like mozzarella, ricotta, feta or pecorino
Seasonal vegetables like grilled eggplant, zucchini, or artichokes. Canned beans are also a popular topping when at sea
Seafood like canned tuna fillet, anchovies, mussels, or shrimp