Simple and delicious recipe for homemade pizza!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
1 1/3 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Sauce:
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Toppings:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Your favorite toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading the dough until it's smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour a little at a time.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preparing the Sauce:
Mix Ingredients: Combine tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assembling the Pizza:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough, then on a floured surface, roll or press it into your desired thickness. If you're using a pizza stone, prepare the dough on parchment paper for easy transfer.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread an even layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add Toppings: Place your chosen toppings over the cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Cool and Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to cut.
Enjoy your homemade pizza! Feel free to adjust the toppings and sauce to suit your taste. If you're in the mood for something different, consider trying different cheeses or even a white sauce instead of tomato.