How to Bake Simple Bread

Baking bread is a delicious and satisfying task that can be easily accomplished with just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. Here is a simple recipe for making bread that you can try at home:

Ingredients: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt - 1 teaspoon instant yeast - 1 1/2 cups warm water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast.

2. Add the warm water to the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together into a shaggy ball.

3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 12-18 hours at room temperature. During this time, the dough will rise and develop a slightly sour flavor.

4. After the resting time, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid into the oven to preheat as well.

5. Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball by tucking the edges underneath. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

6. Once the oven and pot are preheated, carefully remove the pot from the oven and remove the lid. Sprinkle a little flour on the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.

7. Gently transfer the dough ball to the pot, seam side down. Cover the pot with the lid and return it to the oven.

8. Bake the bread for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade bread! You can experiment with different flours, add-ins like herbs, seeds, or cheese, and even shape the bread into a baguette or boule.