Ciabatta Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ciabatta

[tʃəˈbɑːtə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

type of bread

Ciabatta is an Italian bread made with wheat flour and yeast. It is known for its rustic appearance and airy, open crumb. The bread has a crisp crust and a soft, moist interior, making it ideal for sandwiches or as a side dish.

Synonyms

bread, loaf, roll.

Examples of usage

  • I made a sandwich with ciabatta and fresh vegetables.
  • The bakery sells a variety of breads, but their ciabatta is the most popular.
  • I love to dip ciabatta in olive oil.
  • He toasted ciabatta to serve with the soup.
  • We enjoyed our meal with slices of warm ciabatta.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Ciabatta was invented in 1982 in Italy as a response to the popularity of French bread.
  • The word 'ciabatta' means 'slipper' in Italian, referring to the bread's flat shape.
  • Its creation involved experimenting with flour and fermentation techniques, leading to a unique crust and airy texture.

Culinary Techniques

  • This bread is often baked at high temperatures, contributing to its crisp crust.
  • It is typically made using a wet dough, which helps create the large holes and chewy texture inside.
  • Chefs recommend using a steam oven or adding water to the oven during baking for the best crust.

Cultural Significance

  • Ciabatta is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly used for sandwiches and served with olive oil.
  • The bread has become popular worldwide, featured in many gourmet cafes and restaurants.
  • Due to its versatility, it can pair with a wide range of ingredients, from meats to vegetables.

Pop Culture

  • Ciabatta often appears in food blogs and cooking shows, celebrated for its texture and flavor.
  • In popular media, it frequently symbolizes artisan bread, appreciated for craft baking.
  • Many culinary competitions highlight ciabatta as a challenge due to its tricky dough management.

Health and Nutrition

  • Ciabatta has a more open crumb structure, which can make it easier to digest for some people.
  • Made primarily from wheat flour, it contains carbs for energy, but moderation is key owing to its caloric density.
  • Adding toppings like vegetables or lean proteins can transform it into a more balanced meal.

Origin of 'ciabatta'

The word 'ciabatta' originates from the Italian language, literally meaning 'slipper'. This loaf style was first created in the 1980s by a baker named Arnaldo Cavallari in the Veneto region of Italy. The intent was to create a bread that was similar to the French baguette but with a softer and more open texture. Its name recalls the shape of the bread, which resembles a slipper. Since then, ciabatta has gained international popularity and is often used in various culinary contexts, particularly in Italian-sub sandwich compositions. Ciabatta is celebrated for its versatility, allowing it to be paired with a variety of toppings and used for various dishes, from bruschetta to panini.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,066, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.