This village-style bread is perfect for any meal, offering a beautiful, crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior. It’s a simple yet satisfying loaf that you can make with basic ingredients. Perfect for spreading butter, using for sandwiches, or serving with soups and stews.
📝 Ingredients
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ tablespoons sugar
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for a richer flavor)
Extra flour (for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
2. Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil (if using) into the flour.
Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together, then use your hands to knead it into a soft dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Knead the dough
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
