A Favourite Family Delight Freshly baked in your home
⏱ Prep Time: 2 hours (including dough rising) | 👨🍳 Cook Time: 12 minutes | 🍽 Makes: 2 large pizzas
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Parmesan cheese for finishing
Instructions:
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
Make the Sauce: 5. Sauté garlic in olive oil for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15 minutes. Let cool.
Assemble and Bake: 6. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now. 7. Divide the dough in half. Roll out on a floured surface to the desired thickness. 8. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. 9. Spread sauce evenly, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. 10. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. 11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. 12. Remove from oven. Top with fresh basil, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle Parmesan.
Chef’s Tips:
- Cold fermentation: Make the dough the night before and refrigerate for better flavor
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust
- Don’t overload with toppings—less is more!
- Stretch the dough by hand, not with a rolling pin, for a better texture
Why It’s Essential:
Pizza-making is a foundational cooking skill. Once you master this, you’ll never want delivery again! It’s customizable, fun to make with family, and infinitely better than store-bought.
Nutritional Highlights: Balanced meal with carbs, protein, and dairy, customizable toppings for dietary needs