Ingredients (makes 2 loaves):
1 1/3 cups warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
4 cups flour
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir and let it stand for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and foam.
Add olive oil and salt to the mixture. Mix well, then gradually add the flour. Until the dough separates from the bowl’s sides, keep adding flour.
Mix with the dough hook for a few minutes.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, approximately 30 minutes.
Dough is pounded down and split into two halves. Shape each portion into a loaf. (If doubling the recipe, you’ll have four portions.)
Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet or in loaf pans. Once they have doubled in size, cover them with a moist cloth and let them to rise.
Set the oven’s temperature to 375 F. (190 degrees Celsius). Combine one egg and one tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
Brush the risen loaves with the egg mixture. Make a single long quick cut down the center of each loaf using a sharp knife.
Place at least 1 cup of hot water in a shallow pan and put it on the rack underneath the bread in the oven. The steam from the water will help create a crusty exterior. You may need to add more water during baking if it evaporates.
Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
After taking the loaves out of the pan, let them cool on cooling racks. For extra taste, you can optionally rub butter over the heated crust.
Enjoy your homemade crusty Italian bread!