Bake the bread

Here’s a simple and delicious bread recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour

1½ teaspoons salt

2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast or active dry yeast

1½ cups (360ml) warm water (110–115°F or 43–46°C)

1 tablespoon sugar (optional, helps activate yeast)

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for a softer texture)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast (if using active dry yeast):

In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. If using instant yeast, skip this step and add the yeast directly to the dry ingredients.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

3. Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Pour the yeast mixture (or water if using instant yeast) and olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

4. Knead the dough:

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.

5. First rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Shape the dough:

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet for a free-form loaf.

7. Second rise:

Cover and let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until it puffs up.

8. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

9. Cool:

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked bread! Let me know if you’d like tips for variations or other types of bread.