Making bread at home is a rewarding and straightforward process. Here are easy steps to guide you through baking a simple loaf of bread:
In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the loaf for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.