Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together the water and yeast until dissolved.

Step 2

Add about 1/3 of the flour to the bowl with the yeast-water mixture. Add the sugar, oil, egg yolk, and salt. Stir until homogenous and soupy. Add another 1/3 of the flour. Mix until it gets little tougher than before. Add the remaining flour and mix until you cannot mix any longer. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured counter and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, at least 12 minutes.

Step 3

Transfer to a clean large bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 2 to 3 hours.

Step 4

Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into 12-inch-long strands. Braid, following the directions in the video. Let rest for 30 minutes before baking.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll each into 12-inch-long strands. Braid, following the directions in the video. Let rest for 30 minutes before baking.

Step 6

While the braided loaf rests, heat the oven.

Step 7

Transfer to the oven and bake until fully cooked, about 30 minutes.

Step 8

Leave the bread in the oven as the heating unit changes. Continue to bake until the top is crisp, about 5 minutes.

Step 9

Let cool completely before serving.