Homemade Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauce Recipe

Introduction:

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, with its origin in Italy dating back to ancient times. The joy of creating your pizza at home starts with crafting the dough from scratch, which forms the foundation for any great pizza. Along with a fresh, flavorful pizza sauce, this homemade pizza dough recipe guarantees a delicious, authentic pizza experience right in your own kitchen.

Homemade pizza dough may take a little time to prepare, but it is incredibly satisfying to knead and shape your dough, knowing you are about to enjoy a pizza made with fresh ingredients. The best part is that you can customize your pizza with any toppings you like, from classic Margherita to more creative combinations.

In this recipe, you will learn how to prepare both the dough and a simple yet flavorful homemade pizza sauce. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For Pizza Dough:

• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Pizza Sauce:

• 2 large fresh tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work.
2. Prepare the dough mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir everything together with a spoon until the dough starts to form.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Let it rise: Grease a large bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. For a thin crust, divide the dough into two portions. For a thicker crust, use the whole dough. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to your desired thickness.
6. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes before adding toppings.
7. Add toppings and bake: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Pizza Sauce:

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and dice the tomatoes into small pieces.
2. Cook the sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and oregano. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Blend the sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. For a chunkier sauce, use a spoon to break the tomatoes down further. For a smoother consistency, transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse until the desired texture is reached.
4. Store or use: Use the sauce immediately on your pizza, or store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Method:

The process begins with the activation of yeast, which forms the base for the dough’s rise. The dough is kneaded, left to rise, and then shaped into the desired pizza crust. Meanwhile, the pizza sauce is prepared by sautéing garlic and cooking fresh tomatoes with seasonings, then blending to achieve the preferred consistency. Both components are assembled and baked together for a delicious homemade pizza.

History:

Pizza dough has its roots in ancient civilizations, but its modern form became popular in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Initially, pizza was a dish for the poor, made with simple ingredients like dough, tomatoes, and herbs. Over time, pizza became a beloved dish worldwide, with many variations, including the iconic Neapolitan pizza with a thin, crispy crust.

The pizza sauce made from fresh tomatoes is a key element that adds depth of flavor. Originally, pizza sauce was simply crushed tomatoes with minimal seasoning. Today, various herbs and spices are used to create rich, complex flavors in pizza sauce.

Benefits:

Pizza Dough:

• Whole Wheat Option: If you opt to use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, the dough will provide more fiber and nutrients.
• Control Over Ingredients: Homemade pizza