How To Make Pizza Dough

This simple dough and pizza sauce combo will have you well on your way to dinner with any toppings you want. When looking for a warm place to rest your dough, opt for a sunny spot or on the open door of the oven set on the lowest temperature. Once you've made your own pizza dough you'll never go back to ready-made bases.

Yield: Makes 2
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Difficulty Level: 2/5

Ingredients

• 2 tsps (7 g) dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp caster sugar
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water
• 2 cup (300 g) plain flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsps olive oil

Steps

01. Combine yeast, sugar and water in a small bowl; cover. Stand in a warm place about 10 mins, or until frothy.

02. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the yeast mixture and olive oil; mix to a soft dough. Bring the dough together with your hands. Add a little extra water, if necessary, to make sure all ingredients are incorporated.

03. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 mins, or until smooth and elastic. Push the dough with the heel of your hand, and give it a quarter turn each time. Place the dough in a lightly oiled large bowl; cover. Stand in a warm place about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

04. “Punch” the dough down with your fist, then knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll out as desired.

Tip: Makes one thick-crust or 2-3 thin-crust pizza bases. For a thick-crust pizza, use the whole quantity of dough or, for thinner crusts, make two or three pizzas from the one quantity of dough.The dough can be made several hours ahead; store in an oiled bowl, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. (Refrigeration will slow down the rising of the dough.) Dough and sauce are suitable to freeze.

Photo: bauersyndication.com.au