Tired of throwing away that sourdough discard? Don't! Turn your discarded starter into unbelievably delicious and easy homemade pizza dough. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to store-bought options. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade pizza night, elevated with the tangy goodness of sourdough. It’s a quick dinner idea that's surprisingly simple, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned pizza aficionados. This recipe is one of the best recipes for achieving that perfect pizza crust every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough discard (fed 4-6 hours prior)
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and sourdough discard. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and activate the yeast in the discard. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until slightly foamy. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Mixing the Dough:
- Add the salt and olive oil to the sourdough mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. If using oregano, add it now.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
First Rise:
- Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it in half (for two 12-inch pizzas) or into smaller portions depending on your preference.
- On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion of dough into a round or rectangular pizza crust.
- Carefully transfer the pizza crust to a pizza peel or baking sheet (if not using a pizza stone).
- Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone.
Serving:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade sourdough pizza!
Tips for the Best Pizza:
- Use a pizza stone: For a crispier crust, using a pizza stone is highly recommended.
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough crust.
- Adjust baking time: Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Variations:
- Whole wheat flour: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious crust.
- Herbs and spices: Add your favorite herbs and spices to the dough for extra flavor. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder all work well.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 300-400 (depending on toppings) Fat: 10-15g Protein: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This delicious pizza is a fantastic way to use up your sourdough discard and enjoy a healthy, homemade meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a gathering with friends and family. Happy baking!