Elements ( makes 2 loaves )
- 1 1/3 cups heat water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cups flour
How To Make Crusty Italian Bread
Place heat water, yeast and brown sugar in mixing bowl. Stir and let stand for a couple of minutes till it begin to bubble and foam a bit.
Add olive oil and salt. Combine and add the flour steadily. You need to add sufficient that the dough comes away from the edges of the bowl. You need to combine it with the dough hook for a couple of minutes.
Cowl and let the dough rise till doubled about Half-hour.
Punch down dough and divide in two and type into two loaves (I doubled the recipe this time.)
Cowl with a moist material and let rise till doubled.
Preheat oven to 375 levels. Beat collectively:
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
Brush the risen loaves with the egg combination.
Make a single lengthy fast reduce down the middle of the loaves with a pointy knife.
Now right here’s the key. Place no less than 1 cup sizzling water in a shallow pan and place it on the rack beneath the bread. The steam will make the crust flip completely. Chances are you’ll want so as to add a bit extra water throughout cooking. You do not need it to evaporate.
Bake for 25-Half-hour or till the loaves flip golden brown and sound hole once you faucet them.
Take away from pan and let cool on racks. I all the time prefer to rub butter over the recent crust
