Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette)

Directions

1. Combine yeast and lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl. To activate yeast more quickly, add 1 tbsp of sugar. Stir well until yeast and sugar are dissolved.
2. Add half the flour to the yeast mixture and mix well. The consistency should be that of pancake batter. Cover with a towel and let rest in a warm location for 2–3 hours. When ready, bubbles will appear on surface of dough. 
3. Add salt and remaining flour. Combine with a wooden spoon.
4. On a floured surface, knead dough until soft, smooth, and elastic. It should not be sticky. 
5. Return dough to mixing bowl and cover with a towel. Allow to rest in a warm location until double in size, approximately 60 minutes.
6. Place dough on a work surface without deflating the gas inside. Use a knife to divide dough into three equal portions and form each into a ball. Cover with a towel and allow to rest for 10–15 minutes.
7. Remove one portion from the towel and whack it three times against the work surface. Use your palm to flatten the dough into an 8 x 4-inch rectangle. Roll it lengthwise and pinch seams together.
8. With both hands, roll dough back and forth on the surface, applying more pressure on outer points of dough so that the middle is thicker than the ends.
9. Repeat with other two portions of dough.
10. Put dough on parchment and cover with a towel, allowing to rest for an additional hour, or until loaves double in size.
11. Preheat oven to 450°F. At the same time, preheat baking tray and place a baking pan of hot water on the floor of the oven.
12. Slash baguette lengthwise using a sharp knife or razor blade, cutting quickly and deeply.
13. Remove baking tray from oven and transfer loaves of dough onto tray. Spray water on sides of oven and on dough.
14. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. After 8 minutes, spray baguettes with water. Rotate tray so bread bakes evenly.
15. If the bottom is not as done as the top, remove pan of water, turn off oven, place baking tray on a lower rack, and let baguettes sit in oven for several more minutes.
16. Serve warm.