Italian Herb Bread

Italian Herb Bread

Mamma mia, that's one tasty loaf of bread!

Ingredients
  • 575g strong white bread flour
  • 1 sachet active dried yeast (about 2½ tsp)
  • 290ml lukewarm water (30°-35°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp mixed dried herbs

 

Method (Makes a 1kg/2lb loaf)

  1. Mix the water, oil, sugar, salt and yeast in a jug, and leave for 5 minutes.
  2. Put the flour and dried herbs in the bowl. Select speed 1 and gradually add the liquid, then increase speed to 2 and mix for 5 minutes.
  3. Put the dough in a bowl, cover and leave in a warm place till doubled in size (20-30 minutes).
  4. Put on a floured surface, knead gently to knock out the air, then shape, put on a baking sheet, and leave in a warm, dry place till doubled in size.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F/gas 6 for 25 minutes or till golden brown and hollow sounding on the bottom.