**Instructions**
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Pour the warm water into the dry ingredients.
3. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms. Don’t worry about kneading; just mix until no dry flour remains. The dough will be quite sticky.
4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 5 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it rests, the more flavor will develop, but even 5 minutes is enough to activate the yeast.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
6. Lightly flour your work surface. Gently scrape the dough out onto the floured surface.
7. With floured hands, gently shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. Avoid overworking it.
8. If using a Dutch oven, carefully remove it from the oven (it will be very hot!). Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven. If not using a Dutch oven, place the dough directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. If desired, lightly brush the top of the loaf with olive oil for extra crispiness.
10. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on (if using a Dutch oven), or for 20 minutes if baking on a baking sheet.
11. Remove the lid (if using a Dutch oven) and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
12. Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your incredibly fast and delicious homemade bread!
**Short Tips**
* The warmer the water, the faster the yeast will activate.
* Don’t overmix the dough; a shaggy texture is perfectly fine.
* A Dutch oven helps create a steamy environment, resulting in a wonderfully crispy crust. If you don’t have one, a baking sheet will still produce a great loaf.
* Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
* This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, or frozen for longer.
