Creating your own pizza at home is a rewarding experience. This recipe provides two straightforward methods—using a gas stove or a conventional oven—to craft a pizza that’s both crispy and flavorful. Tailor your creation with any toppings you desire, from timeless pepperoni and cheese to a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, ensuring a pizza that perfectly suits your preferences.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups plain flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings (Optional):
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dough:
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
- Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough begins to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preparing the Pizza Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the ingredients thoroughly, making sure everything is blended together smoothly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
Gas Cooker Method:
- Preheat a Large Skillet:
- Place a large, heavy skillet or frying pan on your gas cooker over medium-high heat.
- Allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Pizza Base:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- Flatten one piece of dough on a surface dusted with flour until it reaches your preferred thickness.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the heated skillet.
- Cook the Base:
- Cook the dough for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and slightly crispy. Flip the dough over using a spatula.
- Add Sauce and Toppings:
- Quickly spread a thin layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the cooked side of the dough. Add your desired toppings, starting with shredded mozzarella cheese, then layering on pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or any other toppings you prefer.
- Cover and Cook:
- Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat, allowing the cheese to melt and the toppings to cook through. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once the pizza is cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice and serve immediately.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- If using a pizza stone, position it in the oven and let it preheat alongside the oven.
- Prepare the Pizza Base:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Sauce and Toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough.
- Add your favorite toppings, starting with the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and any other desired ingredients.
- Bake the Pizza:
- If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the preheated stone. If using a baking sheet, simply place it in the oven.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Top with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a few fresh rosemary sprigs for added flavor.
- Serve immediately.
Conclusion:
With these two easy methods, making homemade pizza has never been more accessible or fun. Whether you opt for the gas cooker method for a quick and crispy crust or the oven method for a more traditional bake, you’ll enjoy a delicious, customized pizza that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Experiment with different toppings and enjoy the process of creating your perfect pizza at home!