Ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 ½ 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 375°F (190°C). 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.
