Pizza, a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide, is both simple and versatile. Whether you're craving a classic Margherita or an adventurous combination of toppings, making pizza at home can be an enjoyable experience. Here’s how to craft your own delicious pie from scratch.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (or 2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings:
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix warm water with sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if it's too dry, add a bit more water.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce:
While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally around 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions if desired. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your preferred thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet or directly onto the preheated pizza stone.
Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Add slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and arrange your chosen toppings.
4. Bake the Pizza:
Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve hot!
Making pizza at home allows you to customize every aspect of the process, ensuring a perfect result tailored to your taste. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef, this timeless recipe offers endless possibilities for creativity and flavor. Enjoy the art of pizza-making!
