2½cupsall purpose or bread flour (divided)(325 grams)
1teaspoonsalt
½tablespoonolive oil
TOMATO SAUCE
½cuptomato puree/passata(112 grams)
½teaspoonoregano
½teaspoonbasil
1tablespoonolive oil
¼teaspoonsalt
GARLIC OLIVE OIL SAUCE
2-3tablespoonsolive oil
2clovesgarlic minced
1tablespoonfresh parsley minced
1pinchsalt
1-2pincheshot pepper flakes (if desired)
EXTRAS
16-20slicessalami (thinly sliced)
1½-2cupsfirm mozzarella shredded
Instructions
PIZZA DOUGH
In a stand up mixer or large bowl (if you decide to make it by hand) add the lukewarm water and sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit 10 minutes.
Add half the flour and start to knead, then add the remaining flour, salt and olive oil. Knead for about 8-10 minutes or until soft and compact. The dough will be a little sticky but not unmanageable.
Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and form into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, roll the dough in the oil to lightly cover. Cover the bowl and let rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
Pre-heat oven to 400F (200C). Lightly oil a 9x5 inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan.
Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and roll into a thin 1/8'1/4" rectangle approximately 16x12 inches (41x33 cm), spread thinly with the tomato sauce leaving 1/4 inch border around the edge, top with slices of salami and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
Roll the dough up lengthwise and pinch the seams to close shut, cut it down the middle lengthwise, then slice in half, take the 2 halves and pinch the edges together to seal shut, then carefully cross over to form a braid. Gently push the bread together to make it a bit more compact.
Place the braid in the prepared loaf pan, brush with the olive oil and garlic sauce, and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. Halfway through baking, brush again with the garlic sauce and cover with foil if the loaf is browning too much. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 minutes in the pan then move to a wire rack to cool 5-10 minutes more. Slice and serve.
TOMATO SAUCE
In a small bowl mix together the passata, oregano, basil, olive oil and salt.
GARLIC OLIVE OIL SAUCE
In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt and hot pepper flakes if using.