Easy Homemade Bread

Instructions

1. 1

   To prepare the easy homemade bread, pour the flour and salt into a bowl. Mix well with a wooden spoon, then add the water, crumbled yeast, and honey, and mix again.

2. 2

   You should obtain a smooth and soft mixture, don't worry if it turns out sticky. Use a spatula to clean the spoon and the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a cloth. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the plastic wrap and make the first of the three folds. Wet your hands with water, then take one of the outer edges of the dough, lift it gently, and bring it towards the center; then rotate the bowl and do the same with another edge of the dough. Make two more folds in this way, for a total of 4 overlaps. Then cover again with plastic wrap and wait another 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Make another round of 4 folds and cover with plastic wrap. Wait another 15 minutes and make the last round of folds. Cover again with plastic wrap and let it mature for 16 hours at a temperature of about 22° C (72°F). If the temperature is higher, let the dough rise for a shorter time; we always recommend adjusting based on the growth of the dough.

4. 4

   Spread a cloth on a surface and lightly dust it with flour. Transfer the dough onto the cloth and bring the top edge of the dough towards the center. Do the same for the left side, for the right side, and for the bottom side, so as to obtain a square. Now bring the left corner towards the center; then the right, and also the other two. Lift the cloth and transfer it into a 20 cm diameter bowl.

5. 5

   Sprinkle the surface with a little flour, then close the cloth and transfer it to the refrigerator for 4 hours. After 4 hours, preheat the oven and a 20 cm diameter pot for baking at 220°C (428°F). You can use a cast iron pot or a regular pot made entirely of steel.

6. 6

   Take the dough and turn it over onto a sheet of baking paper. Sprinkle the bread with flour, gently removing any excess with your hands. With a sharp knife, create a cross shape on the bread without burning yourself.

7. 7

   Take the pot out of the oven and place the bread with the baking paper inside; cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven at 220°C (428°F). At this point, remove the lid and continue baking for another 20 minutes, setting the oven to convection mode to obtain a crispy crust, keeping the temperature unchanged.

8. 8

   Remove the bread from the oven, take it out of the pot using the baking paper, and let it cool on a rack. Slice and serve.