Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Feel free to swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you wish to add a nuttier flavor. The olive oil can be substituted with melted butter for a richer taste. In my kitchen experiments, I’ve found these little tweaks can offer delightful variations!
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step always reminds me of the science experiments my siblings and I would conduct in the kitchen under my abuela’s watchful eye.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This is a perfect opportunity to get lost in the therapeutic rhythm of kneading, just as I did while listening to my family’s stories.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F during this time.
- Make a few slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife, which will allow the bread to expand beautifully while baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. The scent of baking bread is one of life’s simple joys—let it fill your home as it often does mine.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with loved ones, as I do with my family, relishing each slice that holds stories of love and tradition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International