Ingredients

The following ingredients have 7 Servings
  • 2.5 cups bread flour
  • 1.25 tsp instant yeast [or 2.25 tsp of dry active yeast]
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 cup warm water [110-115 f degrees]
  • extra flour
  • 2 tsp + 1.5 tbsp olive oil (1.5 tbsp to cover the dough in the bowl after kneading)
  • thyme or any herb of choice
  • olive oil
  • sea salt

Instruction

  • In a bowl mix together bread flour, salt, sugar, yeast * [read notes above if using active dry yeast], dried thyme, dried basil and olive oil.
  • Add warm water slowly and mix till the dough starts coming together.
  • Transfer the dough on to your working surface which has been floured well.
  • Put some flour on your hands and start kneading the dough, after 2-3 minutes the dough will become little smooth.
  • Apply 1/2 tsp oilve oil on one side and knead. Apply 1/2 tsp of oil on the other side as well and knead.
  • Keep kneading for 7-8 minutes [apply a tsp of oil more in between] till dough is smooth and pliable. It should spring back when poked.
  • Transfer the dough into a bowl and cover it with 1.5 tbsp of olive oil.
  • Cover the dough with aluminium foil or cling sheet and keep it in a warm place and let it rise for around 1-1.5 hours.
  • After the dough has risen, transfer it onto to 13X9 baking pan and flatten it using your fingers.
  • Shape the dough and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes drizzle some olive oil, spread to cover the entire surface.
  • Using your fingers make holes in the dough, it's called dotting the bread.
  • Don't make shallow wells, go all the way till your fingers touch the pan. Keep poking till the dough has dimples all over.
  • Now cover at keep it a warm place for 30-45 minutes for 2nd rising.
  • Preheat the oven at 475 F degrees.
  • After the dough has risen, sprinkle thyme or any herb of your choice and drizzle very little olive oil all over again.
  • Sprinkle some sea-salt crystals [optional]
  • Bake the bread at 475 F degrees for 15 minutes till it's nice golden brown in color.
  • Take it out from the oven, brush some olive oil on top while it's still warm and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Cut into slices and enjoy the bread