In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Then add in the water and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; mix together with a sturdy wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn out onto a clean surface and knead until the dough comes together and becomes smooth, about 4 minutes.
Form a smooth dough ball and return to the mixing bowl. Cover with a clean tea towel and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes.
Divide the dough in half and form into two loaf shapes; place loaves into two standard-size loaf pans.
Drizzle each with a tablespoon of the remaining olive oil, then slash the tops of the loaves about ¼-inch deep with a sharp knife.
Place loaves on the middle rack of a cold oven with a pan of hot tap water on the rack below it.
Close the oven, set the heat at 400 degrees F, and start a timer for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, remove the pans from the oven, carefully transfer bread out of the pans and onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy!
