Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water and the yeast. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt well. Dump the flour mixture into the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix the dough until it is well combined.

Step 2

Cover the bowl with a dry kitchen towel and set the dough aside to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3

After your dough has risen, use a spatula to loosen the dough from the edges of the bowl. Flour your hands really well and also sprinkle a bit of flour over the dough. With your floured hands gently remove the dough from the bowl and roughly shape it into a ball. Place the dough onto a large sheet of parchment paper and cover with a dry kitchen towel to rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 450 F degrees and place your Dutch oven with its lid on inside to heat up during the preheat.

Step 5

Take the pot out of the oven, and remove the lid. Pick up the dough by grabbing all four corners of the parchment paper, and carefully place the dough inside the pot.

Step 6

Place the lid back onto the pot, and return it to the oven. Bake for 35 minutes with the lid on, and 20-25 minutes with the lid off, or until the bread is golden brown.

Step 7

Remove the bread from the pot and allow it to cool completely before slicing.