How To Make The Best Homemade Pizza

The term pizza was first recorded in the 10th century in a Latin manuscript from the Southern Italian town of Gaeta in Lazio, on the border with Campania. Modern pizza was invented in Naples, and the dish and its variants have since become popular in many countries. 

by Brenda Blanco
It has become one of the most popular foods in the world and a common fast food item in Europe and North America, available at pizzerias (restaurants specializing in pizza), restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine, and via pizza delivery. Many companies sell ready-baked frozen pizzas to be reheated in an ordinary home oven.

Ingredients
for 16 servings

2 ½ cups warm water (600 mL)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
7 cups all-purpose flour (875 g), plus more for dusting
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ cup semolina flour (30 g)

Preparation

1. “Bloom” the yeast by sprinkling the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the middle and add the olive oil and bloomed yeast mixture. Using a spoon, mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.
3. Once the flour is mostly hydrated, turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and bouncy. Form the dough into a taut round.
4. Grease a clean, large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning to coat with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours.
5. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead for another minute or so, then cut into 4 equal portions and shape into rounds.
6. Lightly flour the dough, then cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for another 30 minutes to an hour while you prepare the sauce and any other ingredients.
7. Preheat the oven as high as your oven will allow, between 450-500˚F (230-260˚C). Place a pizza stone, heavy baking sheet (turn upside down so the surface is flat), or cast iron skillet in the oven.
8. Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce: Add the salt to the can of tomatoes and puree with an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth.
9. Once the dough has rested, take a portion and start by poking the surface with your fingertips, until bubbles form and do not deflate.
10. Then, stretch and press the dough into a thin round. Make it thinner than you think it should be, as it will slightly shrink and puff up during baking.
11. Sprinkle semolina onto an upside down baking sheet and place the stretched crust onto it. Add the sauce and ingredients of your choice.
12. Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust and cheese are golden brown.
13. Add any garnish of your preference.
14. Nutrition Calories: 1691 Fat: 65 grams Carbs: 211 grams Fiber: 12 grams Sugars: 60 grams Protein: 65 grams
15. Enjoy!

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

TOMATO SAUCE

28 oz canned whole tomatoes (795 g)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

MARGHERITA

tomato sauce

fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small pieces

fresh basil leaf

TASTY’S BIANCA

extra virgin olive oil

fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small pieces

ricotta cheese

fresh basil pesto

dried oregano

PEPPERONI

tomato sauce

fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small pieces

spicy pepperoni slice

freshly grated parmesan cheese

TASTY
Photo by Chad Montano