Like most families, my family love pizza. It is such a simple easy dinner to make. I like to make Margarita Pizza as it uses simple elements and tastes wonderful. I serve with a salad using lettuce from my garden this time of year. The pizza dough is from Paul Hollywood’s Bread book and is simple and simply wonderful.
250g/9oz strong white flour, plus extra for flouring
semolina, for dusting (optional)
For the pizza dough, mix the flour, salt, olive oil, yeast and water together in a bowl.
Turn the dough out onto an oiled work surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cut off a small piece of the dough and stretch part of it as thinly as you can. If you can see the shadow of your fingers through the dough – the light should shine through the dough like a window pane – without the dough tearing, it is ready to prove.
Shape the dough into a ball and tip into a bowl.
Cover with a damp tea towel and leave to rise for an hour.
Divide the mix into three balls. Roll out on a floured surface into circles. Place each circle on a flat baking tray or a plastic chopping board dusted with semolina (so the pizza can be easily transferred to the oven later).
Place a pizza stone or an upturned baking tray into the oven and heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7 (in a non-fan oven).
Add the topping of your choice and cook for 10 -12 minutes.
I like to make a very simple marinara sauce:
1 can chopped tomatoes (low sodium)
5 cloves garlic, chopped finely
Oregano and thyme from my garden
I cook this for about 20 minutes, then puree, so it is very fine. I put it on top of the pizza within about 1/2 inch of the edge. I top with small/good fresh mozzarella balls and cut basil. I think you should use what ever amount makes you happy and looks good. I then cook, as described before for about 10-12 minutes in a hot oven. I do use a pizza stone and put it in the oven to heat first, then add the pizza on a pizza pan on top. Makes the crust on the bottom cook to perfection.
Making pizza Like most families, my family love pizza. It is such a simple easy dinner to make. I like to make Margarita Pizza as it uses simple elements and tastes wonderful.