Farmhouse Pizza

Pizza is a savory dish of Italian origin, consisting of a usually round, flattened base of leavened all purpose flour dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and often various other ingredients baked at a high temperature, traditionally in a wood-fired oven. The toppings can be changed as per the preference.

RECIPE 

Prep time: 2 hours 30 minutes 

Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Serves: 3 medium pizzas or 2 large pizzas

INGREDIENTS:
FOR PIZZA DOUGH:

• 2 cup all purpose flour (maida)
• 1 tsp dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4- 1/2 tsp salt (as per taste)
• 1/2 cup warm water + 1tbsp (as required)
• 2-3 tbsp oil

FOR PIZZA SAUCE:

• 2 large tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1- 1.5 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp sugar 
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce 

FOR TOPPINGS:

• 2-3 tbsp pizza sauce
• 1 onion, sliced in circular shape
• 2 tomatoes, sliced in circular shape
• 1/2 cup yellow, red and green capsicum, sliced or cubed
• 9 pickled jalapenos, based on spice level (optional)
• 2-3 tbsp black olives (optional)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese or pizza cheese, grated (as required)
• 1/2 tsp oregano/ italian seasonings/ mixed herbs
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

METHOD:
PIZZA DOUGH:

1. In a large mixing bowl, take warm water, sugar and dry yeast and give a quick mix.
2. Keep this mixture aside for 10 minutes.
3. When the yeast is getting doubled up, add maida, salt and oil.
4. Knead the dough for about 6-7 minutes until soft and smooth.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or kitchen napkin and allow to rise(warm place) until double in size. This can take up to 2 hours, depending on ambient temperature.
7. Punch the dough with fist to release down the air.

PIZZA SAUCE:

1. Blanch the tomatoes and then chop them. Keep it aside.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add chopped garlic into it. Fry the garlic for a minute.
3. Now add the chopped blanched tomatoes. Stir and let the tomatoes cook for 5 minutes more.
4. The tomatoes are softened now. Add the chilli flakes, oregano, salt, sugar, black pepper powder. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
5. Add tomato sauce in a mixture.
6. The pizza sauce is ready.

PIZZA:

1. Preheat the oven at 200°C for 10 minutes. Grease the pizza plate or tray with butter and then dust it with flour.
2. Punch down the dough and knead it together, then divide into three equal portions.
3. Place the dough on pizza plate or tray.
4. Flatten the dough by stretching with both hands.
5. Further, leaving a cm or more and create a dent.
6. Then prick with centre of dough with the help of fork.
7. Spread the pizza sauce generously leaving the sides slightly.
8. Spread grated mozzarella cheese or pizza cheese and sprinkle italian seasonings.
9. Top with the toppings of choice and spread little grated cheese more.
   
10. Bake the pizza in the oven at 200°C for about 10-15 minutes.
11. Pizza is ready to eat. 
12. Serve warm or at room temperature with tomato ketchup and mixed herbs.