Take a large mixing bowl and add flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well with a spoon. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly before adding liquid.

Pour warm water slowly into the dry mixture. Stir gently while adding. The dough will start to come together and form a soft mixture.

Transfer the dough onto a clean surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and soft. This step builds structure.

Place the dough in a bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rest for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size.

Punch down the dough gently. Shape it into a flat round disc. The stottie should be thick but slightly flattened.

Place the shaped dough on a baking tray. Cover and let it rest for another 20 minutes. This helps it rise again slightly.

Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Let it heat fully. A hot oven helps the bread bake properly.

Place the tray in the oven. Bake for about 20–25 minutes. The bread should turn golden on top and sound hollow when tapped.

Remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool slightly. Slice and serve with butter or fillings of your choice.