To make sponge, in a small bowl stir together yeast and warm water and let it stand for 5 minutes. In another bowl stir together yeast mixture, water and wheat flour. Knead it well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it stand at room temperature for at least 12 hours up to 24 hours.
To make bread, in a bowl stir together yeast and milk and let it stand for 5 minutes. In another bowl, add prepared sponge along with milk mixture, water, oil, flour and salt. Mix everything together to make a dough. Knead the dough for at least 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Put the dough into an oiled bowl and cover with a plastic wrap and keep it until doubled in size.
Takeout the dough onto a floured work surface and cut it into half. Now take one portion and roll it into a rectangle. Now shape it into a log of 6 to 8 inches. Repeat with another portion of the dough..
Dimple both loaves with floured fingers and dust flour on top. Transfer both loaves onto a greased baking tray and cover with a damp cloth and leave it until doubled in size. You can even use a baking paper in the tray
Preheat the oven at 200 degree for 10 minutes. Brush the loaves with water to get the crust on top. Dust with some dry flour. Bake the prepared loaves for 20 to 30 minutes or until done. When ready, the bread will sound hollow if tapped from the bottom. Let it cool down completely then it can be used.
Ciabatta bread can be served with soups or curries or it can be used to make sandwiches.
