French Bread / Loaf

Ingredients

All purpose flour - 2 1/2 cup,

Yeast - 2 tsp,

Sugar - 1/2 tsp,

Water - 1 cup,

Salt - as per taste.

Olive oil - 1 tbsp,
All purpose flour (for kneading process) - as needed,

Olive oil for greasing - 1 tsp.

Milk - 2 tbsp(for milk wash).

Method

Take 1 cup all purpose flour, water and yeast in a mixing bowl.

Mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2-3 hours in warm place.

After 2 hours, stir in salt, oil and 1 1/2 cup flour.

Form dough and kneed on light floured surface about 10-12 minutes until it become smooth and elastic.

Place in oiled bowl and let it rest covered for about an hour in warm place.

Take out on light floured surface and gently kneed in enough flour to make semi stiff dough.

Divide dough into two equal parts and let it rest covered for 10 minutes.

Roll each half in a large rectangle and fold / roll as per below image.

Don't forget to tuck sides and pinch seam along edge of dough.

Arrange loaves in baking tray lined with parchment paper, pinched sides down.

Give loaves desire shape and 3-4 diagonal cuts as per below image.

Give them milk wash with brush.

Sprinkle sesame seeds or dry flour on top.

Let them rest covered for an hour. Bake in preheated oven at 500 F for 22-25 minutes.

Take them out and let them come to room temperature. French bread is ready to serve.

Notes

Amount of water may vary on quality of flour.

Sesame seeds are optional.

Olive oil can be replaced by butter.

Water can be replaced by milk for rich flavour.

Size and shape of bread depends on your choice.
Check the max temperature limit of parchment paper before baking with it.