How to cook pizza at your home

Pizza is a beloved Italian dish that has become an international favorite, especially in the United States. It typically consists of a round, flattened wheat-based crust topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. Here’s a basic recipe for making a classic Margherita pizza, one of the most iconic types of pizza:

Ingredients:

For the pizza dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the pizza sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra-virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

For the pizza dough:

1. In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

For the pizza sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until it becomes fragrant.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce and dried oregano to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors. Stir occasionally.

To assemble and bake the pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (usually around 500°F or 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
2. On a floured surface, divide the risen dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a round pizza crust of your desired thickness.
3. Carefully transfer the rolled-out pizza dough onto a baking sheet or a pizza peel (if using a pizza stone).
4. Spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Place the sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
6. Tear some fresh basil leaves and distribute them over the cheese.
7. If desired, drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the pizza.
8. Slide the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the preheated pizza stone) and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve hot.

You can also customize your pizza with various toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, or anything else you prefer. The Margherita pizza, however, is a classic that highlights the simple and delicious combination of tomato, cheese, and fresh basil. Enjoy your homemade pizza!