Homemade pizzas are a delightful culinary adventure! Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or you like to experiment with unique toppings, making pizza from scratch allows you to tailor it to your tastes. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings such as pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the pizza:
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go (usually around 500°F or higher).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into portions, depending on how many pizzas you want to make.
- Roll out each portion of dough into a circle on a floured surface. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your desired toppings.
4. Bake the pizza:
- Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade pizza masterpiece! Feel free to get creative with different toppings and flavor combinations.
