Chef Gordons Homemade Pizza

Homemade Pizza: A versatile favourite with endless topping options, from classic Margherita to BBQ chicken.**Recipe: Homemade Pizza**

Servings: 4 (2 pizzas)

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
– 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

– 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping Options:

– 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– Classic Margherita toppings: fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella
– BBQ Chicken toppings: cooked and shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion slices, and cilantro leaves
– Additional toppings of your choice: pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

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

– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together.

– Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:

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

– Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

3. Preheat the Oven:

– Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

4. Shape and Assemble the Pizzas:

– Divide the risen dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin round crust on a floured surface.

– If using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper, which will make it easier to slide onto the hot stone later.

– Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Add your choice of toppings and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake the Pizzas:

– If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven. Otherwise, place the pizza on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

– Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

– Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade pizza!

Cooking Tips:

– For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the pizza dough for 3-4 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.

– Experiment with different toppings and get creative with your homemade pizza.

Serving Suggestions:

– Serve your homemade pizza with a side salad or some garlic knots for a complete meal.

– Pair it with your favorite beverages like soda, beer, or wine to suit your preferences.