Here’s a basic recipe for homemade pizza:
Ingredients for the Dough:
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredients for the Sauce:
– 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Your choice of additional toppings (e.g., sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape and thickness.
8. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a greased baking sheet or a pizza stone.
9. Spread a generous amount of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Sprinkle a desired amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add your choice of additional toppings.
11. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade pizza! You can customize the toppings and experiment with different flavors to suit your preferences.