Happy National Pizza Day!

Happy National Pizza Day from R&L Holt!

What better way to mark this national day than with everyone’s favourite, a classic cheese and tomato pizza that’s as easy to make as it is delicious?

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43°C)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Toppings:

• Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil (for drizzling)

Method:

Step 1 – Prepare the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until it forms a dough.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2 – Prepare the Pizza Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3 – Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, typically around 245°C or higher.

Step 4 – Roll out the Dough:

On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.

Step 5 – Assemble the Pizza:

1. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet.
2. Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
3. Place slices of fresh mozzarella and fresh tomato on top.
4. Add fresh basil leaves and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza.

Step 6 – Bake:

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 7 – Finish and Serve:

Drizzle the finished pizza with a bit of olive oil, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of a classic tomato pizza!