Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
1 cup (400g tin) Italian chopped tomatoes
Salt to taste
Optional: fresh basil and oregano
For the Dough: Yeast Mixture:
7g yeast
60ml warm water
Pinch of white sugar
The Rest:
430g all-purpose flour
10g white granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
30ml extra virgin olive oil
260ml room temperature water
Toppings:
Mozzarella cheese
A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese
Rocket/arugula leaves (or basil, if available)
Method:
Yeast Activation:
In a small bowl, combine the yeast, pinch of sugar, and 60ml warm water. Mix and leave for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is bubbly.
Dough Preparation:
Pour the activated yeast into a large mixing bowl.
Add 260ml of water, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
Gradually add the flour, stirring to combine. It will start to form a shaggy dough.
Kneading the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface.
Turn the dough out onto it and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a well-oiled glass bowl.
Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
Leave in a warm place for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
Shaping:
Remove the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface.
Cut into two pieces.
Preheat the oven to its highest setting (mine reaches 250°C).
Gently knead each piece for 1 minute to release some air bubbles.
Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough, breaking some of the bubbles.
Forming the Pizza Base:
Place the dough on a lightly floured pizza baking tray.
Gently stretch it out to the edges, taking a few minutes for this step.
Sauce Preparation:
Mix the crushed tomatoes and salt in a bowl.
Use an immersion blender to break down the tomatoes, pulsing a few times (not fully pureeing).
Adding Sauce and Toppings:
Spread some sauce over the pizza base (remember, less is more).
Apply mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
You can freeze the remaining sauce for next time.
Baking:
Bake for about 8-12 minutes, depending on how hot your oven is and your preference for golden crust.
Serving:
Serve the pizza with rocket/arugula leaves (or basil, if you have it).
Enjoy your homemade cheese pizza! 😊