Time to get ready.
Time needed to prepare: 20 minutes
Time to cook: 25-30 minutes
Break duration: 2-3 hours
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
List of items needed to make a recipe.
Hot water: 1 and a half cups (370 milliliters)
Yeast in powder form: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
Flour: 4 cups (500 g)
Salt: 1 tsp
Instructions
Make the Yeast Work:
In a big bowl, mix together lukewarm water (370 ml) and dry yeast (10 g). Stir softly and leave it for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is completely dissolved and bubbly.
Make the dough:
Put 500 grams of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a lumpy dough is made.
Work the dough by kneading it.
Move the dough to a surface with a little flour and work it by hand for 8-10 minutes until it is soft and stretchy. If the dough is too wet, put in a bit more flour, one spoonful at a time.
Beginning:
Put the dough in a clean bowl with a little oil, cover it with a wet cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Form the dough.
Press the dough that has risen to remove any air bubbles. Form the dough into a loaf or the shape you want, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan that has been greased.
Second Rise: A New Beginning
Cover the dough with a cloth and let it grow for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Make the bread.
Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F) before using it. Cook the bread in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is a golden brown color and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.
Chill and serve:
Take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before cutting it. Enjoy your freshly baked bread either warm or at room temperature!
Advice:
To make the crust softer, apply melted butter on top of the bread after it is baked.
Include seeds or herbs in the dough for more taste.