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In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, yeast, sugar, water and olive oil. Mix with a large spoon to form a very soft, sticky dough. Cover with a damp tea towel and leave to stand for 30 minutes.
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Turn the dough by grabbing one side and folding it into the centre. Turn the bowl 90° and repeat. Do this about 8 times. Cover and rest for another 30 minutes. The dough will be pretty sticky - don’t be tempted to add more flour!
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Repeat step 2 twice more, resting for 30 minutes each time.
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Line two trays with baking paper (or one big tray) and preheat the oven to 260°C.
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After the last 30 minute rest time, tip the dough onto a lightly floured bench. Gently, to avoid popping air bubbles inside, cut the dough into 2 equal sized pieces. Place each piece of dough on the trays and gently shape into a rectangle. I found it easier to lift and stretch the dough a bit, using the weight of the dough itself to stretch it into a rectangle.
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Cover the pide with a damp tea towel and rest for 20 minutes.
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Whisk the egg and water in a bowl to form an egg wash. Brush a thin layer over the top of the dough. Make indents in the top of the loaf by poking it evenly down its length with 3 fingers. Sprinkle over the sesame seeds. Rest for a further 5 minutes.
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Bake for 6-9 minutes in the 260°C oven, or until the loaf is a mottled pale-golden colour.