Delicious Homemade Pizza

Making a delicious homemade pizza can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a simple yet tasty recipe for creating your own pizza from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, blended)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Additional cheese options (parmesan, cheddar, goat cheese, etc.)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, etc.)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. Let It Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 portions if you want to make two smaller pizzas, or leave it whole for one large pizza. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
2. Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the sauce over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges for the crust.
3. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your preferred toppings. You can get creative with a variety of veggies, meats, or even pineapple.

5. Bake the Pizza:

• Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Optionally, top with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!

Tips for Perfect Pizza:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the sauce and cheese to elevate the flavor.
• Experiment with dough thickness: If you prefer a thicker crust, allow the dough to rise longer, or use less flour to make it softer.
• Get creative with toppings: Use seasonal vegetables, try different meats, or even drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
• Pizza stone or baking steel: Using a pizza stone or steel will give you a crispy crust. Make sure it’s preheated in the oven before placing the pizza on it.

Enjoy crafting your perfect homemade pizza!