Step 1

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir in water until well blended.

Step 2

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place to rise for at least 12 hours (16-18 hours is better). To make this easy and to avoid having to use a new piece of plastic wrap each time, I cover the bowl with a plastic shower cap.

Step 3

Next, place the dough on a generously floured work surface, sprinkle with flour, and fold it in on top of itself two to three times.

Step 4

Turn the bowl you were using at first upside down over the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 5

After 15 minutes, shape the dough into a ball.

Step 6

Coat a smooth cotton towel with flour and put the ball seam side down, dusting the top with more flour.

Step 7

Fold sides of towel over top of ball and let rise for 2 hours.

Step 8

The dough should double in size.

Step 9

30 minutes before the dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees and put a 6 to 8 quart heavy pot with a cover (pyrex, cast iron, enamel or ceramic work best) in to heat.

Step 10

Remove the pot from the oven and dump the dough ball seam side up into the pan.

Step 11

Cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 12

Then remove the lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes or until the loaf is nicely browned.

Step 13

Remove from oven and cool on rack.