italian bread

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons to 1 cup water, at room temperature
• 3 1/2 cups biga
• 1 2/3 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon diastatic barley malt powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, vegetable oil, or shortening
• 3/4 cup to 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, lukewarm (90 to 100°F)
• Semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting