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Dear Mr. Know-It-All,
This will sound like a stupid question compared to all the other ones I’ve read in your columns… but hey, you can answer anything, right? I’ve been looking for some good panini bread around town, but can’t seem to find it (Don’t send me a panini bread recipe… I have that already!). My friend gave me a panini press, but I don’t have the bread! I can only seem to find hot dog bread, English muffins, hamburger bread, square sandwich bread… but no panini bread! HELP PLEASE!
– Panini Lover
No question is too small, Panini Lover. Here’s the recipe you demanded. To make a good ciabatta loaf you will need:
- 500g bread/strong flour
- 475ml water
- 2 tsp yeast
- 15g salt
- Combine all ingredients in a tabletop mixer.
- With the dough hook attachment, mix on high.After 18-20 minutes, you will have a very wet dough.
- Place in an oiled container and allow to triple in size.
- Flour your counter and quarter your dough.
- Oil and dust with flour, before allowing to proof for 45 minutes. Heat oven to 260°C.
- Stretch your dough into its final shape, flip and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway though.
Admittedly this is a recipe that’s hard to make in Hong Kong, where the average household lacks a mixer. Try to do it by hand, and you’ll be there for a while: this sticky, gloopy dough was traditionally made by repeatedly slapping it against a counter until it was all mixed together. Given that the average Hong Kong household also lacks a countertop, you may find you’ve bitten off more than you can knead.
If you’re absolutely certain you don’t want to make it at home, the city’s bakeries should be able to help. Look for Italian, not French, breadmongers. Try Il Bel Paese (eight locations including 3/F, Bayfield Building, 99 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2529-2902). They sell all manner of Italian bread—including ciabatta—that will be ideal for your panini press.
A linguistic note, for pedants and Italians: panini is plural. In the singular, it’s panino, “little bread roll,” and they’re usually eaten warm, but not pressed and toasted. Hence Milanese import Panino Giusto (Shop 3077, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2564-7000), and their own food-stuffed creations. Want a genuine Italian panino? Head here—but with prices starting at $78, you’ll be paying for the privilege. Maybe you should just buy a sausage bun.
Mr. Know-It-All answers your questions and quells your urban concerns. Send queries, troubles or problems to [email protected].
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