Activate the yeast

• Warm the water until lukewarm.
• Stir in the yeast and sugar.
• Let it sit until foamy.

Make the dough

• Combine the flour and salt in a bowl.
• Pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil.
• Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
• Knead until smooth and elastic.

First rise

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
• Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.

Shape the loaf

• Punch down the dough.
• Shape it into a loaf and place it in the greased loaf pan.

Second rise

• Cover the pan and let the loaf rise until it crowns above the rim.

Bake

• Brush the top with melted butter.
• Bake until golden and hollow-sounding.

Cool

• Turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack.
• Let it cool before slicing.