Easy Pizza

The word “Easy” is relative. Once the technique of making dough is mastered, it is easy and there is no end to the creativity of a pizza pie. Don’t get discouraged if at first you don’t succeed. Stop if the dough doesn’t rise or look or feel right. Start over with a new dough before assembling the topics.

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup warm water (100-110^oF)
• 1 package active dry yeast (not instant)
• pinch of sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Mix yeast, sugar, and water. Rest 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt.
3. Blend until sticky.
4. Pour dough onto a floured surface and add enough flour to form a ball, continuously adding a little flour at a time while incorporating into dough. If necessary, add a little water if too dry.
5. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by folding in half, turning, then folding and pushing the dough away from you slightly. Do not be afraid to apply some muscle here.
6. Dough is ready when it is “soft as a baby’s bottom,” and the dough springs back when poked.
7. Place dough in gently oiled, larger glass bowl. Flip dough around to cover all around.
8. Cover with wax paper then a damp towel and place in a warm, draft-free area.
9. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes.
10. While waiting make the sauce and prep the toppings.

Pizza Sauce

• Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan, simmer for 5 minutes over low heat.

Toppings

Personal preference dictates the toppings here. By adding lots of fresh vegetables on top of pizza like spinach, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, it will add fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making the meal more balanced. Hint: Cut onions and mushrooms into thin strips (julienne cut.)

Best toppers according to Reddit…

• Mushrooms: Sautéed or roasted for deep flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Any color, adding sweetness and crunch.
• Onions: Red, yellow, or caramelized.
• Spinach & Arugula: Fresh or wilted.
• Tomatoes: Sliced, cherry, or sun-dried.
• Olives: Black, Kalamata, or green.
• Artichoke Hearts: Marinated or canned.
• Jalapeños: Fresh for heat or pickled for tang.
• Basil & Garlic: Fresh herbs or roasted cloves for aroma. 

Next Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. When the dough has doubled, punch it down and shape it into a 12” circle on a lightly floured surface, making a thicker rim around the outside edge. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled pizza pan and reshape into a circle by patting with flat hands and gently stretching to the edge of the pan.
3. Top with 1/2 – 1 cup of sauce to lightly coat the dough. Careful to add just enough sauce to cover yet not flood it.
4. Add grated cheese, and fresh veggies for the best health choices. Some people like to add the cheese last.
5. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Trick: Check on the pizza the last couple minutes in the oven, if it comes off the pan easily slide it directly on the oven rack to give the bottom a nice golden crust for a few minutes watching carefully for the perfect finish.