Here's a breakdown of the process, from creating the dough to enjoying a delicious homemade pizza:
Ingredients:
For the dough: (Makes 1 medium pizza)
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1 ½ cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon (3 grams) active dry yeast
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½ teaspoon (2 grams) salt
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½ cup (120 ml) warm water (105°F - 115°F / 40°C - 46°C)
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1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
For the sauce:
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½ cup (120 ml) crushed tomatoes or passata
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1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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Pinch of salt and pepper
For the toppings: (Choose your favorites!)
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Shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
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Pizza sauce (optional, if not using homemade sauce)
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Pepperoni, sausage, vegetables (e.g., onions, peppers, mushrooms), pineapple (if you like!), etc.
Instructions:
1. Make the dough:
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In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
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In a separate container, warm the water to the specified temperature. Stir in the olive oil.
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Gradually add the warm water mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
2. Let the dough rise:
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
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Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Preheat the oven:
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Aim for a high temperature to bake the pizza, ideally around 450°F (230°C) or higher, if your oven allows.
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If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven along with the oven for at least 30 minutes. A pizza stone helps distribute heat evenly and contributes to a crispier crust. (You can bake pizza directly on a baking sheet if you don't have a pizza stone.)
4. Prepare the sauce (if making homemade):
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In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Assemble the pizza:
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle (or your desired size). You can stretch it by hand for a more rustic look or use a rolling pin.
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Transfer the dough to a pizza peel (a large, flat paddle for transferring pizzas) dusted with flour, or directly onto a baking sheet.
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Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
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Add your desired cheese and toppings.
6. Bake the pizza:
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Carefully slide the pizza from the peel (or baking sheet) onto the preheated pizza stone (or baking sheet, if not using a stone).
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Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
7. Slice and enjoy!
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Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Slice with a pizza cutter or a sharp knife and enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!
Tips:
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Fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients like shredded mozzarella cheese and flavorful toppings can significantly enhance your pizza's taste.
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Don't overload the dough: Avoid overloading the pizza with too many toppings, as it can make the crust soggy.
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Cheese placement: Add some cheese directly on the dough before adding the sauce. This creates a cheesy layer between the crust and the sauce, preventing the crust from getting soggy.
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Cornmeal for a crispier crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal onto your pizza peel or baking sheet before transferring the dough. This helps prevent sticking and can contribute to a crispier crust.
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Experiment with flavors: There are endless topping combinations! Get creative and explore different flavor profiles to find your perfect pizza.