Pizza Base

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Proof 1 40

Ingredients

Ingredients
7 g dried fast-acting yeast
1 tsp sugar
450 g strong organic bread flour plus extra for dusting
50 g coarse semolina optional for the base
1 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
275 ml lukewarm water

Notes

1. Activate the yeast:

Pour 275ml of lukewarm water into a jug, add the yeast and sugar, and give it a gentle stir (no need to fully mix it through). Let it sit for 10 minutes, until it begins to foam and bubble on top.

2. Prepare the flour:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.

3. Mix and knead the dough:

Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, add 2 tbsp of olive oil, and mix with your hands until it forms a rough dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, wet your hands slightly as you knead.)

4. First rise:

Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave it somewhere warm until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

5. Shape and prove:

Lightly oil a baking tray (20cm x 30cm) and sprinkle the base with coarse semolina to prevent sticking and add extra crispness. Turn the dough out onto the tray and gently press and stretch it into a rough rectangle, using a rolling pin if needed. Cover and let it prove again for 40 minutes, until visibly risen.

6. Preheat the oven:

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 220°C / Gas 7.

7. Assemble the pizza:

Drizzle the risen dough with olive oil, spread over passata, and season with a pinch of salt. Add your favourite toppings mozzarella, vegetables, meats, or a drizzle of chilli oil for extra heat. Then finish it off with a final drizzle of olive oil.

8. Bake:

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp on the edges. Slice and enjoy!

Bread Maker Method

For an even easier process, once the yeast is activated, add all ingredients to a bread maker (I use a Panasonic) and set it to the pizza cycle. It will knead and rise the dough for you! Then, simply shape, prove, top, and bake as above.