Basic Pizza Dough

Most folks are impressed if you mention you make your own pizza dough - I'm not sure why, as it's dead easy to make (as you'll see below), especially if you use a food processor. The results are way better than any store-bought ready-made pizza base. But, do try to get hold of a pizza stone - they make a world of difference.

Tip - I cook the base first, this makes it easier to add the topping and also makes it much crispier.




















Ingredients (Makes 1 medium pizza base)

• 8oz (220g) white organic flour
• 1 tbs (5g) active yeast
• 1 tbs olive oil
• salt
• 1 tsp brown sugar (alternatively: honey or maple syrup)
• About 1/2 cup of lukewarm water

Instructions
1. Heat water so that it is lukewarm - not boiling.

2. Put yeast into cup and add the sugar (or honey/maple sryup). Add a little water and stir.




















3. Leave yeast to rise, takes about 5 mins.










4. Measure the flour into a food processor. Add the yeast mixture, 0live oil and a little salt. Mix for a few seconds until combined.




















6. Gradually add water to the mix, until a single "clump" of dough is formed.


















7. Remove dough and shape into a ball with your hands. Add a little flour if it is too wet.









8. Wipe a bowl with a little olive and add the dough. Loosely cover with cling-film. Leave to rise (about 10-15 mins) whilst you prepare your pizza toppings.










9. Remove dough from the bowl and roll-out into a pizza base.










10. Place on pizza stone in a pre-heated hot oven (450F) and cook for 2-3 minutes.









11. Remove and add toppings.

12. Cook pizza.

13. Serve and enjoy!