Italian Bread Bowls Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (110F/45C)
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 2 cups warm water. Let it stand for about 10 minutes, or until creamy.

Step 3: While the yeast is activating, lightly grease a large bowl and two baking sheets. Dust the baking sheets with cornmeal and set them aside.

Step 4: To the yeast mixture, add 4 cups of flour, vegetable oil, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.

Step 5: Gradually add the remaining flour, cup at a time, continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined after each addition.

Step 6: Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 7: Place the dough in the greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 40 minutes.

Step 8: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4-inch round loaf and place four loaves onto each prepared baking sheet.

Step 9: Cover the loaves and let them rise again in a warm place until they double in size, about 35 minutes.

Step 10: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Step 11: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush half of the egg wash over the loaves.

Step 12: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, brush them with the remaining egg wash and continue baking until golden brown, about 10 to 15 more minutes.

Step 13: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks.

Step 14: To make bread bowls, slice off a -inch thick piece from the top of each loaf. Scoop out the center of the bread, leaving a -inch thick shell.

Step 15: Fill the bread bowls with hot soup and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.