Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, water, and starter. Mix on the lowest speed for 5 minutes. (Alternatively, mix in a large bowl by hand until you no longer see any remaining bits of flour and the dough transforms from a shaggy mass into a slightly smoother mass, 5 to 15 minutes.)

Step 2

Once the dough has collected into a loose, somewhat cohesive mass, scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl for any floury bits. Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for 5 minutes more. (If making by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop and continue to knead for 5 minutes.)

Step 3

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest at warm room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 4

After the resting time, return the dough to the mixer, sprinkle the dough with the salt, and mix on the lowest speed of the mixer until you cannot see or feel any granules of salt, 1 to 2 minutes. (If mixing by hand, sprinkle the salt on top of the dough and “cut” the salt into the dough using a bowl scraper. Knead the dough until you cannot see or feel any salt granules remaining, about 5 minutes.)

Step 5

Remove the dough from the mixing bowl, shape it into a round, and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and place in a draft-free, preferably warm corner of your kitchen to proof. The dough will NOT double in size; you’re looking for about a 25% increase in volume, and the dough should feel “puffy” and “relaxed” prior to shaping. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, this can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.

Step 6

Once proofed, remove the dough from the bowl, place it on a well-floured countertop, and gently degas the dough by using your hands to pat it out and pop any large bubbles. Shape it into a batard by folding the dough over onto itself, picking up the top edge, and pulling it just over the center of the dough, then, using the heel of your hand, push the dough slightly away toward the top edge. Now turn the dough counterclockwise 90 degrees and do the same thing three more times; the dough should be a smooth oval. Turn the dough over and tighten it by gently pulling the dough toward you on the countertop, using the slight friction between the dough and your countertop to further tighten the dough. Turn the dough 180 degrees and repeat.

Step 7

Place the dough, seam-side up (top-side down), in a proofing basket or shallow bowl coated with semolina flour to prevent sticking. Sprinkle more semolina over the top. Loosely cover with a kitchen towel and refrigerate for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

Step 8

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place an empty 5-quart (4.7-liter) Dutch oven with its lid in the oven to preheat.

Step 9

Once your oven and pot are preheated, remove the dough from the refrigerator and carefully turn it out from the basket into the Dutch oven.

Step 10

Score the top of the dough using a sharp paring knife in any pattern you like. Using a spray bottle, spray the dough with a little water, cover with the Dutch oven lid, and place the entire vessel in your oven. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the lid and continue to bake until the crust is a deep golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes more.

Step 12

Let your bread cool completely before slicing.