Muffuletta Bread

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons iodized salt
• 2 tablespoons lard
• sesame seed
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. 1

   Combine the water, yeast and sugar in the workbowl of a stand mixer, stir well and let stand for 5-10 minutes or until good and foamy.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, combine the flours, salt, and lard in a bowl and work in the fat with your hands until broken up into very small pieces.

3. 3

   When the yeast is foamy, fit the mixer with a dough hook attachment and gradually add the flour on low speed until its all incorporated. Scrape the sides down between additions. When the dough comes together, turn it onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 5-10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. Alternatively, you can let the machine do the work.

4. 4

   Coat a large bowl with the Olive Oil, then put the dough in, turning once to coat both sides. Cover loosely with a clean dry towel, or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.

5. 5

   Punch the dough down and shape into a flat round about 9 inches across (it will expand to about 10″.) Place the dough on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds, about 2-3 Tbsp should do it, then press them lightly into the dough. Loosely cover the loaf and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

6. 6

   When the dough has risen, remove the cover, gently brush with the egg wash then gently place into a preheated 425 degree F oven for 10 minutes. Turn the heat down to 375 degrees F for an additional 25 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.