In a large bowl, combine the yeast and
water, stir, and leave for 15 minutes. Stir in the salt.
Add the flour, 150g at a time, to
obtain a smooth dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
Shape into a ball, place in a greased
bowl and cover with a plastic bag.
Leave to rise in a warm place until
doubled in size, about 2-4 hours.
On a lightly floured surface shape
into two long loaves. Place on a baking sheet sprinkled with semolina or
flour and leave to rise for 5 minutes.
Score the tops diagonally with a sharp
knife. Brush with water and place in a cold oven. Place a pan of boiling
water on the base of the oven and set the oven to 200oC/400oF/Gas
6.