Recipe for making Italian bread:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110Β°F/43Β°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a greased and floured loaf pan. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Bake: Optionally, you can slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Italian bread! You can customize this recipe by adding herbs, garlic, or other ingredients to suit your taste.
