Italian Pizza

 Italian Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Fresh basil leaves (optional)

- Your choice of additional toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, black olives, etc.)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Pizza Dough

STEP 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and active.

STEP 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.

STEP 3: Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

STEP 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Pizza Sauce

STEP 1: In a saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

STEP 2: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

STEP 3: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool.

Assemble and Bake the Pizza

STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.

STEP 2: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 12-inch round circle on a lightly floured surface.

STEP 3: Place the pizza dough rounds on parchment paper to make transferring them to the oven easier.

STEP 4: Spread a generous amount of the pizza sauce over each pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

STEP 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.

STEP 6: Add your choice of toppings. Be creative!

STEP 7: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the preheated oven.

STEP 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

STEP 9: Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or a large spatula. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top if desired.

STEP 10: Slice and serve your homemade Italian pizza hot. Enjoy!

Now you have a delicious homemade Italian pizza ready to be enjoyed. Buon appetito!