italian pizza

Classic Italian pizza recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 and 1/3 cups warm water

- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 2 teaspoons salt

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the pizza sauce:

- 2 cups crushed tomatoes

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

- Mozzarella cheese, shredded

- Fresh basil leaves

- Any additional toppings you desire (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms.

3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

5. While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

6. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (usually around 500°F or 260°C).

7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each portion into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference. If the dough is too elastic, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling.

8. Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or a pizza stone. Spread a generous amount of the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

9. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add your desired toppings. Be creative and choose your favorites!

10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

11. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

12. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade Italian pizza.

Remember, you can always customize the toppings and adjust the sauce and cheese quantities to suit your taste. Buon appetito.