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| image credit: istockphoto |
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ cups (355ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
- Your choice of toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions to prepare Pizza:
1. Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Knead the dough:
Transfer
the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7
minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky,
you can add a little more flour.
3. Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the sauce over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking steel, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
6. Shape the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions (or more if you prefer smaller pizzas).
- Roll out each portion of dough into your desired pizza shape—round, oval, or rectangular—using a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. Assemble the pizza:
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
- Spread a generous amount of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings, distributing them evenly across the pizza.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, lightly brush the exposed edges of the dough with olive oil.
8. Bake the pizza:
- Using a pizza peel or a flat baking sheet, transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Gently remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a precious few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if your heart desires an extra burst of freshness.
9. Cool and serve:
Gently remove
the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a precious few minutes before savoring its mouthwatering allure. Slice it
into wedges and serve it hot. Enjoy the delicious homemade pizza you've
created!
Making
homemade pizza is a delightful experience that allows you to unleash
your creativity and customize your toppings to your liking. With a
little practice, you'll become a pizza-making pro, impressing your
friends and family with your culinary skills. So, roll up your sleeves,
gather the ingredients, and get ready to savor the joy of homemade
pizza!
