Ingredients (for 4 people):
The dough:
1/2 fresh yeast cube
2 tsp caster sugar
500g strong white '00' flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
The topping:
Jar of Italian tomato passata or a 400g tin of San Marzano plum tomato
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano (calabrian/sicilian wild one if you can find it)
1 tsp salt
200g mozzarella
Method:
Step 1: Dissolve the yeast and sugar in 250ml of warm water and leave it for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Using a fork, mix the water, yeast and sugar into the flour until it starts to form a dough, then add the oil and the salt mix with your hands to form a smooth dough.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for ten minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is dry add some more water and if it’s too wet add a little flour;
Step 4: Add the salt and knead for a couple more minutes;
Step 5: Place the dough into a large bowl and cover it with a clean, damp tea towel/cloth. Leave it in a warm place for at least 3 hours.
Preheat the oven to 250°C
Now prepare the standard tomato topping
Step 6: Empty the passata/tomatoes into a bowl or gently crush the larger tomatoes with your hand. Add the oil, oregano and salt.
Step 7: Grease four round pizza baking trays. Divide the risen dough into four equal balls and cover them with a tea towel.
Step 8: Take one of the dough balls and on a floured surface, roll it out into a circle to fit the baking tray. The dough should be the thickness of cardboard.
Step 9: Press the dough into the baking tray. Roll out the rest of the dough balls in the same way. And then add the tomato (& other topping(s) if applicable)
Step 10: Cover the pizzas with the tomato mix. Make sure that the mixture is covering the whole of the dough.
Step 11: Cook the pizza with the tomato topping first for approx. 7/8 mins.
Step 12: You will then need to remove it from the oven and add the sliced mozzarella to the pizza. Drizzle some oil on top and if you like some basil leaves.
Step 13: Cook for a further 5 mins or so until the base is nice and crispy and the mozzarella has melted.
Now you can enjoy your home made pizza.
For a better result remember to use best quality and organic ingredients!