Ingredients
4 cups white flour - preferably high gluten or bread flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp yeast
2 tbsp oil - olive oil or vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups water - warm (not hot)
oil, semolina, or cornmeal - optional (for preparing the pan)
Preparation
Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly oiling it OR dusting it with semolina or cornmeal. Set aside.
Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the yeast.
Add some of the water to the yeast in the well and lightly stir with your fingers to dissolve the yeast (see Recipe Notes below). Add the rest of the water and oil to the bowl and stir to combine all ingredients.
Knead the dough (in the bowl if it's large enough or on a floured work surface) for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. While kneading, work in a little flour or water as needed to ensure the dough is soft and pliable but not sticky.
Divide the dough into two smooth mounds and place it well apart on the prepared pan. Cover with a towel and leave to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
After resting, pat the mounds of dough into flat, round loaves about 1/4" thick. Cover again with a towel and leave to rise for about an hour (longer in a cold room), until the dough springs back when pressed lightly.
Preheat your oven to 435°F (225°C). When the oven is hot, lightly score the top of the bread with a sharp knife or poke in several places with a fork.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven, rotating the pan if necessary, for about 20 minutes or golden brown. The loaves should sound hollow when tapped.
Transfer it to a rack or towel-lined basket to cool.