Are you dreaming of crispy, chewy pizza with that irresistible smoky char only a wood-fired oven can deliver? Stop dreaming and start making! This recipe unlocks the secrets to creating authentic, wood-fired pizza dough at home, even if you don't own a wood-fired oven. Get ready to elevate your pizza nights with this simple yet rewarding recipe, perfect for both beginner cooks and pizza aficionados.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas.
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old – try a fresh batch.
Bringing the Dough Together
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Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a better texture.
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Drizzle the olive oil over the dough and knead it in for another minute.
First Rise: Letting the Dough Relax
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is an excellent place for this.
Second Rise & Shaping
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Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it in half.
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Shape each half into a ball. Lightly flour a surface and gently flatten each ball into a 12-inch circle. You can use a rolling pin, but gently stretching with your hands often produces a more rustic crust.
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Let the shaped dough rest, covered, for another 20-30 minutes. This allows the dough to relax and prevents shrinking during baking.
Baking Your Pizza Masterpiece:
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Wood-Fired Oven: Preheat your wood-fired oven to 700-800°F (370-425°C). Carefully transfer the pizza dough to a peel (pizza paddle) and slide it into the oven. Bake for 1-2 minutes, or until the crust is bubbly and slightly charred.
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Home Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (usually 500°F or 260°C). Place a pizza stone in the oven while it preheats. Carefully transfer the pizza dough to the hot pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust: Use less water in the recipe, or let the dough rest for a longer time.
- For a chewier crust: Use more water and allow for a shorter rise time.
- Experiment with flours: Try using 00 flour (a finely ground Italian flour) or a blend of all-purpose and bread flour for a different flavor and texture.
- Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano into the dough for an added layer of flavor.
- Make it whole wheat: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on toppings.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Enjoy your homemade wood-fired pizza! The delicious aroma and satisfying taste are well worth the effort. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your easy recipes and quick dinner ideas repertoire. Creating delicious dishes at home is so rewarding! This is definitely one of the best recipes for a truly satisfying meal.