Ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 ยฝ cups of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. You can also divide the dough into smaller portions to make individual rolls or baguettes.
6. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Optionally, you can brush the dough with egg wash or olive oil and sprinkle some seeds or herbs on top.
8. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade bread!
Tips:
- For a crustier bread, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- You can customize your bread by adding ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, cheese, or herbs to the dough.
- Store the bread in a paper bag or cloth to retain its crustiness.