Serves: 5
Total Calories: 322
Yield: 2 Small Rounds

STARTER
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2/3 cup lukewarm water
3/4 cup white unbleached flour
DOUGH
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup white unbleached flour
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups semolina flour

1. To prepare the starter, stir the yeast and water in a medium-size bowl until the yeast is dissolved. Add the flour and stir until well mixed. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours.

2. To prepare the dough, place the yeast, water, oil, and salt in a dishpan or large bowl and stir with a wooden spoon. Add the starter, the white flour, and 1 cup of semolina, and beat with the spoon until well blended.

3. Add another 1/2 cup semolina, then squeeze the mixture with your hands. If it is too wet to pick up, add a little more semolina. As soon as you can handle the dough (it will still be sticky), sprinkle with a light dusting of semolina and begin to knead directly in the bowl (or on a floured board), adding more semolina as necessary. Knead for 10 minutes, or until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.

4. Spread a little olive oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, oiled side up. Cover and set in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in bulk. Lightly sprinkle a large baking sheet with semolina and set aside.

5. Punch down the risen dough, knead a minute to eliminate any air bubbles, and form into a ball. Cut in half, then shape each half into a round loaf. Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion. Dust generously with semolina, and cut a 1/2-inch-deep cross on top of each. Cover and let rise about 45 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

6. Place in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and hollow-sounding when rapped on the bottom with your knuckle. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 322
Calories from Fat: 51

More Recipes from the Great Natural Breads Made Easy Cookbook:
Basic White Bread
English Cottage Bread
French Bread
French Bread-C'est Magnifique!
Green Bread
Tomato-Basil Bread
Cuban Bread
Roadside Potato Bread
Caraway Potato Bread
Semolina Bread
Challah
Rosemary-Olive Oil Bread