Pizza casera

Ingredientes

• 550 g bread flour ((4 cups))
• 6 g instant yeast ((2 teaspoons))
• 30 g sugar ((5 teaspoons))
• 9 g salt ((1 1/2 teaspoons))
• 350 ml slightly warm water ((1 1/2 cups))
• 550 g tomatoes
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 3-4 leaves fresh basil ((or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or oregano))
• 4 g sugar ((about 1 teaspoon))
• 1 g salt ((about 1/4 teaspoon))
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce
• 1 - 1 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese ((shredded))

Preparación

1. 1

   --- Prepare the Dough ---

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast.

3. 3

   Mix until the yeast is dissolved. Add the bread flour, sugar, and salt.

4. 4

   Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low speed for about 5-7 minutes.

6. 6

   Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

7. 7

   --- Prepare the Pizza Sauce ---

8. 8

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking tray, place the tomatoes and garlic cloves (unpeeled). Roast for 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the skins are slightly charred.

9. 9

   After roasting, let the tomatoes and garlic cool slightly. Remove the skin from the tomatoes then peel the garlic cloves. Transfer to a blender or food processor.

10. 10

    Add the fresh or dried basil/oregano), sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth. Allow to cool.

11. 11

    --- Assemble the Pizza ---

12. 12

    Increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.

13. 13

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.

14. 14

    Divide the dough into two equal portions if making two pizzas.

15. 15

    Allow the dough to rest for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to stretch.

16. 16

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out or stretch one portion of dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a lightly floured pizza pan or a baking sheet.

17. 17

    Poke holes in the pizza using a fork; this will stop the dough from puffing up while baking.

18. 18

    --- Add Toppings ---

19. 19

    Spread about 1/4 cup of the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

20. 20

    Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

21. 21

    Add pepperoni slices evenly around the pizza.

22. 22

    --- Bake the Pizza ---

23. 23

    Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

24. 24

    Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot!