PIZZA

PIZZA

Everybody knows Pizza. However they come in all types of variations. This recipe will show you how to make the most important part of the a pizza - THE CRUST. If you manage to make the crust to perfection, the topping doesn't matter much as everyone can adjust the topping according to their taste and choice.

INGREDIENTS FOR CRUST

8 oz (225g) Plain Flour

1 Level tsp Salt

2 1/2 fl oz (62.5 ml) Milk

3/4 oz (apprx. 20g) Dried Yeast

1 tsp Castor Sugar

1 1/2 oz (apprx. 40g) Unsalted Butter (Melted)

1 Large Egg (Optional) 

INGREDIENTS FOR TOPPING SAUCE

2 Large Onions

2 Small Cloves of Garlic

1 lb (450g) Tomatoes

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Level Tbsp Chopped Fresh Marjoram OR 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano

1 tsp Paprika (Optional)

Salt

INGREDIENTS FOR TOPPING

Sliced Mushrooms

Chopped Capsicum

Sliced Black and Green Olives

Chopped Tomatoes

Olive Oil

Onion Rings (Optional)

Shredded Cooked Chicken/Beef or Whole Prawns (Optional)

Quick Melting Cheese (MOZZARELLA)

PREPARATION OF DOUGH

1) Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and make a well in the centre. Heat the milk until tepid and use a few drops to cream together the yeast and sugar. 

2) Pour the yeast mixture and the rest of the milk into the flour together with the melted butter and beaten egg (if using).

3) Work the dough with the hand until it is smooth and leaves the sides of the bowl clean. Shape the dough into a ball and place it into an oiled polythene bag. Leave it in a warm place until it has doubled in size.

PREPARATION OF SAUCE

1) Peel and roughly chop the onions and garlic

2) Skin the tomatoes and chop them roughly - or puree

3) Heat olive oil in a heavy based pan and cook the garlic over a moderate heat for about 30 seconds

4) Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and transparent

5) Add the tomatoes and paprika. Stir well and let cook until most of the liquid has evaporated leaving a mushy pulp. Add salt and oregano or marjoram. Leave aside to cool

When the dough has risen, knead it lightly with the fingertips for one or two minutes. Shape it into a circle, 12 inches across. Put it on a greased and floured baking tray

Cover the dough with the onion and tomato sauce to within one inch of the outer edge

Sprinkle a little of each of your topping ingredients distributing them evenly on the pizza dough. Lastly cover the pizza with a liberal amount of cheese. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil all over the pizza.

Place the pizza on the middle shelf of the pre-heated oven - 425 deg F or 210 deg C or gas mark 7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and slightly browned and the dough is well risen. Pizza is best served straight from the oven.

PLEASE NOTE: THESE INGREDIENTS ARE FOR ONE LARGE PIZZA. PLEASE INCREASE INGREDIENTS ACCORDINGLY, FOR THE NUMBER OF PIZZAS YOU WOULD WANT TO PREPARE. THE DOUGH CAN BE SHAPED AND PLACED BETWEEN POLYTHENE SHEETS AND FROZEN. DEFROST AND USE WHENEVER REQUIRED.

PIZZA WITH BEEF, ONIONS AND MUSHROOM