Crusty Italian Bread

*Ingredients*

1 1/3 cups warm water

2 1/4 teaspoons yeast

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

4 cups flour

1 egg

1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

*Step-by-Step Instructions*

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and foam.

Add the olive oil and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead with a dough hook for a few minutes.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 30 minutes.

Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape into two loaves.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Beat together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water for the egg wash. Brush the risen loaves with this mixture.

Make a single, quick cut down the center of each loaf with a sharp knife.

***very important***
Place at least 1 cup of hot water in a shallow pan on the rack under the bread to create steam, which helps form the crust. Add more water if needed during baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Remove from the oven and let cool on racks. For extra flavor, rub butter over the hot crust.

*Tips for Success*

Ensure your water is warm (about 105 to 110f), not hot, to activate the yeast properly.

If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.

Don’t skip the steam bath; it’s crucial for a crunchy crust.

*Additional Tips and Variations*

Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic twist. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on the loaves before baking for added texture.

https://99easyrecipes.com/crusty-italianbread/