Bread: The easiest you can make at home

METHOD

1. Step 1: Wake things up

   • 3 cups warm water
   • 1½ tablespoons yeast
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 tablespoon honey

   In a large bowl or plastic container, stir the yeast, honey, and olive oil into the warm water (about 38°C / 100°F). Mix gently until combined.

2. Step 2: Make the dough

   • 780 g all-purpose flour
   • 1 1/2 tablespoons salt

   Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Stir until no dry patches remain. The dough will be loose and slightly sticky. Cover with a towel and let rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or up to 5 hours.

3. Step 3: Shape and bake

   Heat the oven to 230°C (450°F) for 5 minutes. Place a broiler pan or heatproof dish on the bottom rack. Lightly flour the dough surface. Divide into two loaves (or up to four, depending on the size of your tins). Gently stretch each piece into an oval and place it into a greased, nonstick loaf pan. Dust the tops lightly with flour and, if desired, slash three times with a sharp knife. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the broiler pan, then quickly close the oven door to trap the steam. Bake until deeply golden, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing.