Vegan Bakery Style Crusty French Bread

This recipe for vegan French bread makes a crusty loaf with a soft center that goes well with soups, stews, or as a side dish for your favorite meals. Because the ingredients are so simple, its a great choice for any event.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Mix yeast with warm water in a large bowl

Let it sit for 5 minutes until it foams up

Salt and olive oil should be added to the yeast mix

Add the flour slowly and stir until a dough forms

For 8 to 10 minutes, knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and springy

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it in a greased bowl

Let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until it goes double in size

Make a long loaf out of the dough by pressing it down

Cover the loaf and put it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Let it rise for another 30 minutes

Set the oven to 425F 220C and heat it up

Use a sharp knife to cut slits in the top of the loaf

Put the bread in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crusty

Wait until the bread is cool to cut and serve