Here's a simple yet authentic recipe for Italian pizza dough.
This recipe should make enough dough for about 4 pizzas.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of '00' flour (This is a very finely ground Italian flour, traditionally used for pizza dough. If you can't find it, you can use strong bread flour.)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
- 325 ml of lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon of caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
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In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and caster sugar in the lukewarm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to froth. This process activates the yeast.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
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Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast-water mixture and the olive oil.
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Using a fork, start to incorporate the flour into the liquid. Continue mixing until you've formed a rough dough.
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Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean tea towel. Let it rise in a warm place for at least 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles, then divide it into 4 equal portions. Each portion is ready to be shaped into a pizza base.
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Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually around 220-240 degrees Celsius) and shape the dough into pizza bases. Add your desired toppings, and bake each pizza for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Creating fresh, authentic Italian pizza dough is an art that goes beyond following a recipe. It's essential to use '00' flour if possible, as it is finely ground and has a higher gluten content, resulting in a dough that's smooth, elastic, and easy to shape. The water used should be lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. The process of kneading the dough is crucial – take your time to knead thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten and gives your pizza crust the perfect chewy texture. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size for a light and airy crust. Also, preheat your oven to its highest setting. A super hot oven helps achieve a well-cooked, slightly charred crust synonymous with Italian pizza. Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. The more pizzas you make, the better you'll get at shaping the dough and determining the perfect baking time.
Now, you have an authentic Italian pizza dough recipe. Enjoy your pizza making!