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Basic Pizza Dough

This makes a fairly soft and chewy crust.

1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water, divided
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons semolina (Italian pasta flour), plus extra for pan
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing the bowl, the pans, and your hands

Sprinkle the yeast over ¼ cup of the warm water in a small bowl and stir to dissolve. Let stand 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the flour, semolina, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer.

Combine the remaining ¾ cup water with the honey and olive oil and stir into the flour mixture. Stir in the yeast mixture. Knead with the dough hook of an electric mixer, or with oiled hands, for 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Oil a medium bowl and scrape the dough into it, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a dishtowel and let stand in a warm spot until the dough is doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Oil your hands and punch down the dough. Cover again and allow the dough to relax in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping, topping, and baking.

pizza photo by D. Sharon Pruitt

Recipe Category: 
Main Dishes