Discover how to make Pan de Cristal, the traditional Spanish bread known for its light, airy texture and crispy crust. This recipe guides you through the steps to bake this delightful bread that pairs beautifully with olive oil and ripe tomatoes. Perfect for tapas, bruschetta, or simply enjoying with your favorite dips.

Ingredients:

- 500g (4 cups) bread flour

- 350ml (1 1/2 cups) warm water

- 10g (2 tsp) salt

- 2g (1/2 tsp) active dry yeast

- 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil

- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to activate yeast)

Instructions:

Prepare the Yeast:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast (and sugar, if using) in 100ml of the warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Mix the Dough:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the remaining warm water. Add the olive oil.

  - Mix the ingredients until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

  - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First Rise:

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

  - Gently deflate the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a long, flat loaf, about 30cm (12 inches) in length.

Second Rise:

  - Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the Oven:

  - Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Place a small oven-safe dish of water on the lower rack to create steam, which helps the bread develop a crispy crust.

Bake the Bread:

  - Use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make shallow slashes along the top of each loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool:

  - Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Serve:

  - Enjoy your Pan de Cristal with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. It also pairs wonderfully with ripe tomatoes or your favorite spreads.

Enjoy baking and tasting this delightful Spanish bread!

Nutritional Value:

Bread Flour:

 - Calories: 340

 - Protein: 10g

 - Carbohydrates: 71g

 - Fat: 1g

 - Fiber: 2.7g

Benefits:

 - Provides essential carbohydrates for energy.

 - A good source of protein and fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain muscle mass.

Warm Water:

 - Contains no calories, fat, protein, or carbohydrates.

Benefits:

 - Essential for hydration.

 - Helps activate yeast in baking, contributing to the bread’s texture and rise.

Salt:

 - Sodium: 38,000mg

 - Calories: 0

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and controls the yeast fermentation process.

 - Helps in maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in small amounts.

Active Dry Yeast:

 - Calories: 325

 - Protein: 40g

 - Carbohydrates: 39g

 - Fat: 6g

Benefits:

 - Rich in B-vitamins, including folate and riboflavin.

 - Supports digestion and boosts immune function.

Olive Oil:

 - Calories: 884

 - Fat: 100g

 - Saturated Fat: 14g

 - Monounsaturated Fat: 73g

 - Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g

 - Vitamin E: 14mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

 - Helps reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

Sugar (optional): 

 - Calories: 387

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides a quick source of energy.

 - Helps activate yeast and improve bread texture.

This bread is a delicious way to enjoy a low-fat, nutrient-rich option that pairs well with healthy toppings like tomatoes and olive oil.