Ingredients:
For the Dough:
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a pinch of sugar to balance acidity
Toppings (customizable):
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Your choice of toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a larger bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, add a little water.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Make the Sauce:
While the dough is rising, make your sauce. In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
Simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let it cool a bit before using.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it goes, usually around 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
Shape and Assemble Pizza:
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide in half if you want to make two pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza.
Roll or stretch the dough to your desired thickness. If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easier sliding onto the stone.
Spread a layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then add your toppings.
Bake:
If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the hot stone. If not, use a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade pizza!
This recipe is quite basic, so feel free to adjust the toppings or sauce to your taste. Happy cooking!
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