Mediterranean Bread

Ingredients:

- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil

- 1 tablespoon (10 g) dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 1/3 cups (320 ml) warm water

- 4 3/4 cups (570 g) plain flour

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate Yeast (10 minutes)_

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast.

2. Stir gently to dissolve yeast.

3. Let it sit for 10 minutes, until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes)_

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (10 minutes)_

1. Add olive oil, yeast mixture, and dry ingredients to the mixing bowl.

2. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: First Rise (1-2 hours)_

1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp cloth.

2. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape Dough (5 minutes)_

1. Punch down dough.

2. Shape into desired loaf.

Step 6: Second Rise (30-45 minutes)_

1. Place shaped loaf on baking sheet or bread stone.

2. Cover with clean towel.

3. Let rise until slightly puffed.

Step 7: Bake (25-40 minutes)_

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 8: Cool (30 minutes)_

1. Remove from oven.

2. Let cool on wire rack.

Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean bread!