🧄 Ingredients

For the Dough (makes 2 medium pizzas):

  • 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Toppings:

  • 1½ – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 20–25 slices of pepperoni
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional, for garnish)
  • Chili flakes (optional)

🔪 Method

1. Make the Dough:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead into a smooth, elastic dough (about 7–8 minutes).
  3. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (don’t brown it).
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly. Set aside to cool.

3. Preheat and Shape:

  1. Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). If using a pizza stone, place it inside to heat.
  2. Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions.
  3. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 10–12 inches in diameter (thin crust).

4. Assemble the Pizza:

  1. Place the rolled dough on a baking tray or pizza peel (if using a stone).
  2. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.
  3. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
  4. Arrange pepperoni slices on top.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle dried oregano or chili flakes.

5. Bake:

  1. Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling.
  2. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve hot.