Activate the yeast by adding 1 tspn Sugar and 1.5 tspn Instant Dry Yeast to 100 ml warm water, Stir it well and place it in a warm place to bloom. It will take around 10-15 minutesNote:- The Water should be warm to touch. If the water is Hot or Cold, the yeast won't bloom. Also, Yeast doesn't bloom if it is old or is taken off from an open packet Simultaneously, in a dough pan, add all the other ingredients mentioned under the 'Pizza Dough' section
Once the Yeast is activated, transfer it into the dough pan with all the other ingredients
Gently bring all the ingredients together and turn it into a dough
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes till it turns smooth
Grease a Large bowl on all sides, till the brim, with olive oil and place the dough into the bowl and lightly brush the dough with Olive oil so that it doesn't dry out
Cover the bowl with a cling wrap/plate or a cloth and Place the Bowl in a warm place for it to rise or double in size. I keep it inside the Microwave with the light on and door shut. This will take about an hourNote:- The process of letting the dough rise or double in size is called proofing Simultaneously, we go ahead and make the Pizza sauceIn a pan, heat 2 tbspn Olive Oil on Medium flame Add the chopped Onion and Garlic and Sauté till the onions turn transparent
Then add the Tomato Purée, chopped basil(if using), pepper powder, parmesan cheese(if using), Oregano, Salt and Sugar and Stir it well
Once it starts to thicken, turn the flame off and keep it aside.Note:- Don't let it dry out completely because it will further thicken as it is cooling at room temperature Then, grate the Cheese and keep it aside
Get the other toppings ready and keep them asideNote:- You can add all the toppings or some of the toppings mentioned. You can add the toppings of your choice.If you like, you can add only Mozzarella cheese, the choice is completely yours Moving back to the doughOnce the dough doubles in size, transfer it on a lightly floured surface preferably the kitchen platform Deflate the dough with your hand and knead it further for around 5 minutes
Grease the Pizza Tray with some oilNote:- I've used a 12 inch tray Transfer the Dough on the pizza tray
Grease both your palms with oil and flatten the dough on the trayNote:- the technique is to push the dough from the centre to the edges so it is evenly spread Now spread the Pizza sauce all over the base and sprinkle the cheese all over the pizza sauceNote:- save some cheese to sprinkle on the toppings Now add all your toppings
Sprinkle the left over cheese on top
Now the most exciting stage! We go ahead and bake this Beauty! Yayyy!!☺️☺️ Pre Heat the oven at 200°c for 10 minutes, Top and Bottom heating We will bake the Pizza in the middle rack of the oven Once the oven is heated, Slide in the Pizza tray onto the middle rack of the oven and Let it bake at 200°c for 30 minutes Note:- Every oven has different temperatures, settings and heating processes. Please check what suits your oven best. My Pizza took 30 minutes to get ready. Yours may take more or less time Once your Pizza is ready, cut it the way you like and enjoy it while it's Hot!