Description
A simple yet flavorful rustic Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for sharing during family meals.
Ingredients
- 3.25 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, and yeast. Use a spatula or the paddle attachment on your mixer to mix them thoroughly.
- Gradually pour in the warm water, continuing to mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 120 to 180 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Lightly sprinkle flour on your kitchen counter and transfer the dough onto the floured surface. Fold the dough onto itself, shaping it into a round ball.
- Use a sharp knife to carve an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.
- Place the shaped dough onto a lightly floured surface and let it rest while your oven heats up.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are fresh, particularly the yeast. A quick test with warm water can verify its activity.
