Pour the water into a mixing bowl and sprinkle in the yeast; stir until dissolved. Add in 1 cup of flour and stir until smooth. Add in another cup of flour, and mix it well.
Flour a flat, clean work surface well, and have the last cup of flour handy. Transfer the soft dough in the bowl to the surface, and begin kneading the cup of flour, bit by bit until the dough is smooth and elastic, and the flour is used up, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the dough to a large, oiled mixing bowl, and turn to coat all sides. Cover with a soft cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about an hour. Punch down the dough, and knead it for 3 minutes. Place it back in the bowl, and chill for 15 minutes before shaping.