Ingredients:

500g strong white flour
plus extra for dusting
2 tsp salt
7g sachet fast-action yeast
3 tbsp olive oil
300ml water


Method:

step 1
Mix 500g strong white flour, 2 tsp salt and a 7g sachet of fast-action yeast in a large bowl.

step 2
Make a well in the centre, then add 3 tbsp olive oil and 300ml water, and mix well. If the dough seems a little stiff, add another 1-2 tbsp water and mix well.

step 3
Tip onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for around 10 mins.

step 4
Once the dough is satin-smooth, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling film. Leave to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size or place in the fridge overnight.

step 5
Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Knock back the dough (punch the air out and pull the dough in on itself) then gently mould the dough into a ball.

step 6
Place it on the baking parchment to prove for a further hour until doubled in size.

step 7
Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7.

step 8
Dust the loaf with some extra flour and cut a cross about 6cm long into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.

step 9
Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack.


RECIPE TIPS:

SAVING TIME
A dough's first rising can be done in the fridge overnight. This slows down the time it takes to rise to double its size, giving it a deeper flavour. It's also a great timesaver, as you can start it the night before, then finish it off the next day.

BREADMAKER
To make this in a breadmaker, add all the ingredients to your breadmaker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.