Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Method
- In a bowl, mix the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add the warm water gradually along with the olive oil.
- Knead into a soft, smooth dough (knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or until smooth and elastic).
- Cover and rest for 1–1½ hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place on a greased tray and rest for 10 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Tips for best results
- Tap the bottom of the loaf — a hollow sound means it’s done.
- Brush the top with a little olive oil right after baking for shine and a softer crust.
- You can add dried herbs, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to the dough for variation.
- For a nicer crust, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife (2–3 diagonal cuts) just before baking.
- Make sure the water is warm (not hot) — around 40–45°C / 105–110°F — so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
This is a simple, beginner-friendly recipe that produces a soft, lightly golden Italian-style loaf like the one in the photo. Enjoy!
