Ingredients:
For the Dough:
– 2 cups of warm water
– 2 teaspoons of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Sauce:
– 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives)
Instructions:
1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is activated. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Pizza: Preheat the oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Punch down the dough and divide it into 2-4 equal portions, depending on the size of pizza you want to make. Roll out each portion into a thin circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the dough on a greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of the sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce. Add your desired toppings.
4. Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
– Use a pizza stone in the oven to get a crispy crust.
– Try different types of cheese, such as gorgonzola or feta, for a unique flavor.
– Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, on top of the pizza for extra flavor.
– Use a variety of toppings, such as meats, vegetables, and fruits, to create a unique pizza.
– Make individual mini pizzas for a fun and easy snack.