Pizza
Pizza is a beloved dish of Italian origin, featuring a base of dough topped with various ingredients, including tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats. It’s highly customizable and can be adapted to suit any preference. Below is a basic recipe for making a classic homemade pizza.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings (customizable):
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced mushrooms
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onions, thinly sliced
- Black olives, pitted and sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface 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 area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half (for two pizzas). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a round shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then add your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
4. Bake the pizza:
- Slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone (or place the baking sheet in the oven). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve:
- Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade pizza with your favorite sides!
This classic pizza recipe serves as a base, and you can easily adapt it by adding or substituting ingredients to create your perfect pizza.