- By Prerna Targhotra
- Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
How To Make Pizza At Home: As the New Year draws near, the excitement for the upcoming festivities is palpable with gatherings and celebrations on the horizon. While there’s no shortage of party foods, few dishes are as universally adored as pizza. Its versatile nature allows for endless customisation, making it a perfect fit for any party or gathering. While ordering from your favourite pizzeria is always an option, there’s something special about creating your own pizza from scratch.
Making pizza at home is far easier than many think and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With just a few basic ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can prepare pizzeria-quality pizza in your kitchen. From preparing the dough to crafting the perfect sauce and layering it with fresh toppings, you will have all the tools you need to create the pizza of your dreams.
Recipe To Make Pizza
How To Prepare Dough
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Start by dissolving the sugar in the warm water in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. The yeast should foam and bubble, indicating it’s activated and ready for use. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil.
Homemade Pizza Dough (Image Credits: Canva)
Stir everything together until the dough starts to form. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour and if it feels too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. This is a great time to prep your sauce and toppings.
Assembling Pizza
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two or three portions depending on the size of the pizzas you want. Roll each portion out into a thin round or oval shape, using a rolling pin. For a thicker crust, leave the dough a little thicker. Alternatively, stretch it with your hands for a more rustic shape.
Spread a thin, even layer of your homemade sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. This is where you can get creative! Add your favourite toppings such as shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives or anything else you desire.
Homemade Pizza Recipe (Image Credits: Canva)
Transfer your pizza to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone and bake for 10-15 minutes. The pizza is done when the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or some freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavour. Pair it with a crisp salad or your favourite dipping sauces like garlic butter or ranch for the perfect meal.