Proof the yeast: Pour 1 ½ cups warm water into a large bowl; sprinkle with yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add sugar and oil: Whisk sugar, oil, and salt into yeast mixture.
Mix dough: Add flour and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Place dough in bowl: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl and brush top with oil.
Let dough rise: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Knead dough: Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 1 or 2 times before using.
