Ingredients
Scale
To create this delightful dish, you will need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or a high-quality store-bought option)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
If you find yourself without fresh mozzarella, feel free to substitute with shredded mozzarella. And if you’re in a mood to experiment, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of flavor.
Instructions
- Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate small bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step always reminds me of the countless hours I spent with my mum, learning the art of kneading by feel and intuition.
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil, and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Slice and serve immediately for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
