Pizza

Pizza... I like Italian food, its simplicity is beautiful especially to my taste buds. I've never been to Italy but when I have pizza, that's the closest I could get with this scrumptious flat bread. Bread making is not as common in Zambia, let alone pizza making. It's usually store bought (which isn't a bad thing if you want to grab a quick bite). But little did you know, it's simple to make. Especially once you get the hang of making it. You can tweak the recipe as you become a pro at it. 

Nothing beats the smell of homemade pizza, trust me. And the goodness about making it at home is it doesn't have to be the perfect round shape it usually comes in. It could be anything. 
Make this for your breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids lunch for school...

This simple recipe should be on your finger tips because it comes in handy, all the time!

Let's get started...

INGREDIENTS
(DOUGH)
2 cups (256g)   all purpose flour
2 tsp  instant dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (118 ml) warm water(like a baby's bath water)
1 tsp dry oregano

PIZZA SAUCE
1 can tomato puree (if you can't get tomato puree, 4 large grated tomatoes can work)
1/2 onion (grated) 
1 tsp fresh garlic
Oil
Ground black pepper
Salt
Dry oregano
Fresh/dry basil 
Any pre-cooked meats, or vegetables (ground beef, boneless chicken, sausage, mushroom, green beans.. )
Bell peppers (green, red/yellow) cut in small cubes
250 g Mozzarella cheese (grated)

*Your toppings can be anything available in the house. As long as it's pre-cooked

 METHOD (DOUGH)

In a cup, add the instant dry yeast and sugar to the water. Stir it and allow it to stand for about 5-7 minutes till it becomes frothy.
The water shouldn't be too hot (you will kill the enzymes) or too cold (enzymes will not be active)

While thats being set aside, combine the flour, salt and dry oregano. 
Add the yeast mixture to the flour and combine with your hands.
If dough is too dry add a little water at a time till everything comes together (do not add too much water)
Once everything is combined, knead your dough for 10 minutes ( time yourself, especially if you are new at this). This is very important stage.
Add a little flour at a time if your dough is too sticky. Till it stops sticking to your hands
Shape into a ball
Lightly oil your bowl and coat your smooth dough in the oiled bowl. 
Press it down and cover it with some cling wrap.
Place in a warm area (not blazing hot) or like I do, in the microwave with a cup of hot water inside and close the microwave.
Set aside for 1 1/2- 2 hours till it doubles in size.

While your dough is rising let's make the sauce

METHOD ( PIZZA SAUCE)

In a sauce pan, saute onion and garlic
Add tomato puree/grated tomatoes
Cover sauce pan with lid till tomatoes are cooked, for about 10 minutes
Once the sauce has reduced and is thick, add a tsp of dry basil/5 leaves of fresh basil
Correct seasoning
Set aside to cool

Once dough has doubled, on a lightly floured clean surface divide dough into 2 and roll into desired shape.
Preheat oven at this stage to 190 degrees C
Dough should be evenly rolled from the middle to the edges(not too thick or thin)

Ensure you place the cut dough on the over tray before putting anything.  Spoon 2 TBSP of your sauce over and spread. Add more if it hasn't covered the entire surface

Sprinkle cheese over the sauce or you can put the toppings over the sauce , then the cheese. Both work!

(If you want mini pizzas, cut first then place on your baking tray and follow the procedure)

Place your pre-cooked toppings (meats or veggies)and bell peppers on top and sprinkle dry oregano on the top

Place in preheated oven (190 degrees C) for about 10-20 minutes (depending on your oven heat)
or untill the bottom part of the pizza is a light brown.
Garnish with fresh basil if available 

Enjoy!!