Pizza Dough
Pizza dough has its origins in ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans who made flatbreads with toppings. However, the pizza as we know it today is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century.
The traditional Neapolitan pizza dough is made with simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is left to rise for several hours to develop its characteristic chewy texture and is then stretched by hand and topped with tomato sauce and cheese before being baked in a wood-fired oven.
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Over the years, pizza has become a popular food around the world, and different regions have developed their own unique variations of the classic pizza dough. For example, in the United States, the pizza crust is often thicker and has a crispier texture than the traditional Neapolitan pizza dough.
Pizza dough can be made with different types of flour, including all-purpose flour, bread flour, and whole wheat flour. It can also be flavored with herbs and spices such as garlic, basil, and oregano. Some people even add beer or wine to the dough to enhance its flavor.
Overall, pizza dough is a versatile and delicious base for one of the world’s most beloved foods.
Pizza Dough
Difficulty: Easy, Medium1
large pizza15
minutes40
minutes1210-1300
kcal1
minute2
hoursIngredients
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup warm water
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, and place it in a clean, lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape, and proceed with the BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe instructions.
Notes
- This recipe makes enough dough for one large pizza or two medium-sized pizzas. If you only need enough dough for one medium-sized pizza, you can halve the recipe ingredients.
- To ensure that the yeast is activated and the dough rises properly, make sure that the water is warm (between 105-115°F or 40-46°C), but not too hot. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough, which can save time and effort.
- If you don't have time to let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, you can do a shorter rise for 30-60 minutes, or even skip the rise altogether and use the dough immediately. However, the longer rise time will result in a more flavorful and tender crust.
- Once the dough has risen, you can freeze it for later use. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When rolling out the dough, make sure to dust the surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a thicker or thinner crust, you can adjust the amount of dough used and the thickness when rolling it out.
- Homemade pizza dough can be a bit more time-consuming than using a pre-made crust, but it can be very rewarding and is a great way to customize your pizza to your preferences.
