1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, activate the yeast by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts coming together. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and drizzle a little olive oil for richness.
- For extra flavor, you can simmer the sauce on the stove for 10-15 minutes, but this is optional.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it as well for a crispier crust. If not, a baking sheet will work just fine.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 2 portions for two smaller pizzas, or leave it as one large pizza.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, stretching and shaping it into your desired pizza shape (round, square, or even rustic).
- Transfer the dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the sauce: Evenly spread a thin layer of your homemade tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add toppings: Layer on your favorite toppings. You can go classic with pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions, or get creative with things like arugula, prosciutto, olives, and more.
- Optional extras: Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese, drizzle a small amount of olive oil, and add a pinch of dried oregano or fresh basil for extra flavor.
6. Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, the crust should be crispier and the bottom well-cooked.
7. Serve:
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing. If desired, sprinkle with a little more fresh basil, drizzle with balsamic glaze, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade pizza!
Tips for the Best Pizza Using the Pizza-Method:
- Experiment with toppings: The beauty of the Pizza-Method is that you can get as creative as you want with your toppings! Try roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, bacon, pineapple, or even a white sauce base.
- Use a pizza stone: For the best, crispest crust, a pizza stone is highly recommended. It absorbs moisture and distributes heat more evenly, making the crust beautifully crisp on the bottom.
- Thin or thick crust: If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out thinner. For a thicker crust, roll it out thicker and let it rise a little longer before baking.
- Pre-bake the crust (optional): For an extra crispy base, you can pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
Conclusion:
The Pizza-Method recipe is all about flexibility and creativity—don’t be afraid to adjust the dough, sauce, and toppings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or enjoy adding bold, unconventional toppings, this method allows you to easily craft the perfect pizza for any occasion.
Happy pizza-making! 🍕
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