Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Combine flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Add 1-1/2 cups water and stir until blended. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest about 4 hours at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.

2. 2

   Lightly oil a work surface and place dough on it; fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes more.

3. 3

   At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under dough and put it into pot, seam….

4. 4

   Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake an other 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack. Taste for salt and serve when it looks done.