Classic Homemade Pizza

Ingredients

• 500 gall-purpose or bread flour
• 7 ginstant yeast
• 1 teaspoonsugar
• 1½ teaspoonssalt
• 325 mlwarm water
• 2 tablespoonsolive oil (for dough)
• 400 gcanned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoonolive oil (for sauce)
• 1garlic clove, finely grated
• ½ teaspoondried oregano
• ½ teaspoonsalt (for sauce)
• A pinchblack pepper
• 250–300 gmozzarella, grated or torn
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil (for topping)
• Optional toppings such as mushrooms, olives, onions, peppers or pepperoni

Instructions

1. 1Combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
2. 2Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. 3Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and leave it to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5Mix the crushed tomatoes with the olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. The sauce does not need to be cooked.
6. 6Preheat the oven to its highest setting, ideally 240–250°C. Place a baking tray or pizza stone inside while the oven heats.
7. 7Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Stretch or roll each piece into a thin circle.
8. 8Place the dough on baking paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over it, leaving a small border around the edge.
9. 9Add the mozzarella and any additional toppings. Avoid adding too many toppings, as this can make the pizza soggy.
10. 10Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot tray or pizza stone.
11. 11Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
12. 12Top with fresh basil and a small drizzle of olive oil before serving.