Dutch Oven Bread

Directions

1Combine the flour, water, yeast and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, 5 to 10 minutes. Depending on the size of the bowl, you may need to stop the mixer and remove the dough from the dough hook if the dough is not developing thoroughly. When the dough looks smooth, cut off a piece and stretch it. If it stretches to the point of transparency, it’s mixed enough. If not, continue mixing.

2Remove the bowl from the mixer and cover it with a pot lid or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size and does not spring back when you push your finger into it, 2 to 4 hours.

3Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead it to release the gas and redistribute the yeast. Shape it roughly into a ball, cover it with a towel, and let stand for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.

4Shape the dough into a tight ball – the tighter the better – by rolling it on the work surface between your palms.

5Spray or coat the bottom and sides of a large Dutch oven or other heavy ovenproof pot (5½ quarts or larger) with vegetable oil. Put the dough in the center of the pot and place the lid on. Allow the dough to rise again, 30 to 60 minutes (less if it’s very hot and humid, more if it’s cold).

6Preheat the oven to 450° F.

7Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil, or more if you like, gently over the surface of the dough. Score the bread with a sharp knife or razor, making an X or a hash mark; this will allow the dough to expand freely. Sprinkle the dough with salt. Cover the pot and place it in the oven.

8After 30 minutes, remove the lid, reduce the oven temperature to 375° F, and continue baking for another 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

9Allow the bread to rest on a rack for at least 30 minutes so that the interior finishes cooking.