Easy white bread

A great recipe for an electric breadmaker – or do it the traditional way

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. STEP 1
2. Mix 500g strong white flour, 2 tsp salt and a 7g sachet of fast-action yeast in a large bowl.
3. STEP 2
4. 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.
5. STEP 3
6. Tip onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for around 10 mins.
7. STEP 4
8. 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.
9. STEP 5
10. 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.
11. STEP 6
12. Place it on the baking parchment to prove for a further hour until doubled in size.
13. STEP 7
14. Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7.
15. STEP 8
16. Dust the loaf with some extra flour and cut a cross about 6cm long into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
17. STEP 9
18. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack.