Homemade Biga Bread Recipe

This Biga bread recipe will give you a crusty, flavorful loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or to accompany your favorite soup. The biga starter adds depth of flavor and a chewy texture to the bread, making it a favorite among bread enthusiasts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined. The dough will be sticky.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
4. After the biga has risen, it should be bubbly and expanded. It is now ready to use in your bread recipe.
5. To make the bread, mix the biga with additional flour, water, and salt to form a dough.
6. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
7. Shape the dough into a loaf or rounds, then let it rise again before baking in a preheated oven.
8. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
9. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Interesting Facts