Make homemade pizza dough
There's is nothing more delicious than home-made pizza. Here's an easy guide on how to make your own pizza dough and toppings.
Making your own pizza dough is really easy and the result is so delicious. After tasting a homemade pizza, it’ll be hard to go back to shop bought ones.
Step 1
Combine two teaspoons of dry yeast, a pinch of caster sugar and one and half cups of warm water, in a small bowl. Sugar is added at this stage as it strengthens and encourages the yeast. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.
Step 2
Combine four cups of bakers flour and one teaspoon salt in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. The bakers flour makes a crispier bread.
Step 3
Add in the yeast mixture and a quarter cup of oil to the flour and use a round bladed knife to stir until well combined. Use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl.
Step 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. A good way to know if the dough has been kneaded enough is to roll it in a ball and press firmly with your finger, if the dough is springy and bounces right back it is ready.
Step 5
Brush a bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat in oil. This is to prevent a crust forming over the dough. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel and place in a warm, draught-free place to rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until dough doubles in size.
Step 6
Preheat oven to 240C.
Step 7
Dust a clean work surface with flour or semolina. Use a rolling pin to roll the pizza dough out to a 40cm diameter round (or any shape you desire), about 5mm-thick.
Step 8
Place on an oven tray or preheated pizza stone.
Step 9
Spread with a tomato based sauce, sprinkle with grated mozzarella and top with your favorite toppings.
Step 10
Bake until the base is golden and crisp and the topping is golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
Source
Taste.com.au — May 2011
Author
taste.com.au