Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add the olive oil and lukewarm water to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Stretch and Fold (3 times with 30-minute intervals)
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking. Gently lift one side of the dough, stretch it upward, and fold it over the center.
- Repeat this process on all sides of the dough.
- Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, repeat the stretch and fold again. Cover and rest another 30 minutes.
- After another 30 minutes, repeat the same stretch-and-fold process once more.
- Now cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour.
- Generously flour your work surface.
- Carefully turn the dough out onto the surface without deflating it.
- Dust the top of the dough with flour and gently shape it into a rectangle. Avoid over-handling to preserve the air bubbles.
- Use a scraper to cut the dough into 4 rectangles.
- Carefully transfer each piece to a lined baking tray using the scraper.
- Preheat the oven to 225°C (435°F).
- Lightly spray water inside the oven to create humidity.
- Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- For freshness, store in a paper bag.
- Use for sandwiches or enjoy fresh.
Notes
• Handle the dough gently to maintain the airy texture.
• The stretch-and-fold technique helps develop gluten without kneading.
• Adding steam in the oven helps create a crisp crust.
• The stretch-and-fold technique helps develop gluten without kneading.
• Adding steam in the oven helps create a crisp crust.
