ROME: How to make Roman Bread - Panis

This recipe for Roman bread is adapted from the writings of Marcus Gavius Apicius who is believed to have been a Roman gourmet and lover of luxury. He lived sometime in the 1st century AD, during the reign of Tiberius. The Roman cookbook Apicius is often, but incorrectly, attributed to him.

So, how do you make Roman bread?

Ingredients

500 g  Flour
350 ml warm water
1/2 a finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon of active dried yeast
1 tablespoon of honey
1  tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of salt
A large pinch of dried rosemary

To begin with, dissolve the honey into the warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Mix together with a spoon and leave for 10 minutes until frothy. Put the finely chopped onion, flour and salt into a bowl, then add the oil and yeast mixture. Knead the mix until it smooth and no longer sticky - you may need to add a little more flour to achieve this.

There are two choices that can be made now depending on the type of bread you want to end up with.

1. Flat bread

Place the dough into well oiled bowl, turning it over to give it a fine coat of oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and allow  the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1 hour.

When ready, punch the dough back down, the flatten it out onto an oiled cookie sheet to about an inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and the dried Rosemary. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, then serve hot.

2. Panis

Divide the dough into three and then knead each piece on a lightly floured board until smooth and round. Shape each piece into a ball then flatten slightly with the palm of your hand and mark the top into portions with a sharp knife - 8 in this instance.

Place into floured bowl then cover with a damp cloth and allow  the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1 hour.

Place onto a lightly oiled baking tray and bake in a preheated oven  at a temperature of 230 degrees Celsius, 450 Fahrenheit or gas mark 8 for 20- 30 minutes. Remove the loaves from the oven. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, of not, put back in the oven for another 5 - 10 minutes.

Cool on a wire tray. Your Roman bread can be eaten within 36 hours or can be frozen and eaten at a later date.

For related articles click onto the following links:
ROME: How to make Roman Bread - Panis
ROME: What did the Romans Eat?
ROME: Who were the Ancient Gladiators?
WHO WAS JULIUS CAESAR?