Simple White Loaf

Ingredients

• 1 tsp fine salt
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing

Steps

1. Mix the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in the oil and 130 ml hot water. Mix together with a wooden spoon until combined, then bring together with your hands. Knead by hand on the work surface for 8-10 minutes, only dusting with a little flour if it's sticky.
2. Once the dough is smooth and shiny, turn it in your hands, tucking under to make a smooth dome on top. Place seam-side down on a floured baking tray; gently pat down the top to flatten slightly. Cover with a sheet of lightly oiled cling film and leave to rise for 1 hour 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6. Uncover the dough and, using a sharp serrated knife, make three 0.5cm-deep slits across the top. Cover again and leave for 15 minutes.
4. Uncover, dust the top with a little more flour and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely before slicing and serving with butter.