Peasant Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Place the yeast and cumin in a large bowl.
2. 2
   Stir in 1/3 cup of the water until the yeast is dissolved.
3. 3
   Stir in the remaining 1 1/3 cups water.
4. 4
   Stir in 2 cups of the flour and the salt.
5. 5
   Gradually stir in the remaining flour.
6. 6
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Place the dough in a large, clean, lightly oiled bowl.
8. 8
   Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
9. 9
   Punch down the dough, knead for 5 minutes and divide in half.
10. 10
    Sprinkle a large baking sheet lightly with cornmeal.
11. 11
    Shape the dough into 2 round balls, flatten them slightly and place on the baking sheet.
12. 12
    Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.
13. 13
    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
14. 14
    Bake until the loaves are nicely browned and make a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom, about 40 minutes.
15. 15
    Place on a rack to cool.