Ingredients
– 2Β½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– Β½ teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
– ΒΎ teaspoon kosher salt
– 7 ounces (about 200 ml) warm water (105Β°F to 115Β°F)
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– Semolina and all-purpose flour for dusting
– 1 cup pureed or crushed canned tomatoes
– 2-3 grated fresh garlic cloves
– 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
– 2-3 large pinches kosher salt to taste
– ΒΌ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 2-3 tablespoons finely grated hard cheese (such as parmigiano-reggiano)
– 7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese cut into Β½-inch cubes
– 5-6 large fresh basil leaves
– Dried red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1-Combining Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, then stir until the mixture starts to form a ball. Knead the dough for about 3 minutes, and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it and let it rise for around 2 hours to get that perfect texture.
2-Preheating and Preparing Sauce: While the dough rises, preheat your oven and a pizza steel or stone to 550Β°F (about 290Β°C) for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for a crispy crust that mimics a brick oven. Next, prepare the sauce by mixing the pureed tomatoes, grated garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
3-Shaping and Topping the Pizza: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two portions and let each rest for 5-10 minutes. On a surface dusted with semolina and flour, shape each portion into a 10-inch circle. Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle on the grated hard cheese.
4-Adding Toppings and Baking: Distribute the mozzarella cubes across the pizza for even melting, and add the fresh basil leaves on top. Slide the pizza onto the preheated surface and bake for 7-8 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles nicely. For the finishing touch, drizzle with a bit more olive oil and add extra cheese or basil if you like.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π₯ Preheat the oven at the highest temperature possible for at least 30 minutes to ensure a crispy crust.
π§ Pat mozzarella dry to reduce moisture and prevent soggy pizza.
π½οΈ Dust pizza peel with semolina to prevent sticking and aid in transfer to oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1598mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 89g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 69mg
