French Bread

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tbsp yeast
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 5-6 cups bread flour

Reserve some extra flour to ensure the dough is a little sticky.

Prepare the dough

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Leave for about 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to foam.

Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; mix for a few minutes.

Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.

Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover, and let rise until doubled.

The punching phase

Once dough has risen, punch it down and divide in half.

Shape dough into two long slender loaves.

Place loaves in pan, and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf.

Cover and let rise until doubled.

The baking phase

Sprinkle some water on the loaves to give them an extra crunchy crust.

Bake at 190°C/375°F for about 30 minutes.

If you’re making rolls instead of loaves then it won’t take as long to bake.