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BASIC BREAD RECIPE
500g strong white flour
5ml sea salt
15g fresh yeast [5ml dried yeast]
45ml olive oil
5ml sugar [optional]
330ml hand warm water
Using a large non-metallic bowl mix the flour and sea salt together. Make a well in the centre of the flour and crumble in the fresh yeast then add the water. Stir into the yeasty water a teaspoon of sugar, this helps to activate the yeast, but can be left out according to taste.
At this stage the ingredients can be left to stand for several to 30 minutes, allowing a "sponge" to form. This facilitates the yeast and adds flavour to the finished bread.
Add the olive oil and begin to mix, adding extra flour or water if necessary, to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 4-5mins until the dough feels springy. Put back into the mixing bowl and cover. Leave to rise until double in size. Anytime from 45mins to 2hours!
Knock back, then shape the dough and place either into a greased loaf tin or onto a greased baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for a further 20-40mins. Bake in a preheated oven at 220º c/gas 7 for 30-40mins, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
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