Dissolve in the yeast and sugar in water. Let rest for about 5 minutes until mixture is foamy. Add salt, flour, and olive oil.
Knead dough and then cover with oil in a bowl and let rise until doubled in size. This will take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Preheat oven to (200 C) 400 F. Shape dough into loaves. Brush loaves with beaten egg. Slash loaves with a sharp knife. Let rest for 15-30 minutes.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden in color. During last 5 minutes, optionally raise oven temperature to 220 C (425 F) to give an even crustier crust. Bread is finished when it sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.