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| Homemade Pizza with Vegan Cheese, Asparagus, Arugula and Heirloom Tomatoes. |
Either way, this pizza turned out great and I thought I should share the recipe. The whole preparation and making took about 2 hours, but only because the dough has to rise, so it isn't labor intensive at all.
Pizza Dough Ingredients (Make it Organic like me by using all ingredients organic...)
- 3 cups unbleached flour (could be bread flour) + more for kneading
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 1 envelope Active Dry Yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help activate yeast)
- 1 tp salt
- 1 tbp olive oil + more for brushing dough
Start by mixing the yeast in the cup of warm water with the sugar. Wait about 5 minutes and check to see if it created a foam layer on the top. If this did not happen, discard it (you will need to try again with a new packet of yeast).
In a large bowl mix the 3 cups flour and salt. In the center, create a depression and pour in the oil and foamy yeast mixture. Gently stir, slowly incorporating flour from the sides of the bowl.
As soon as dough starts to take a firm "doughey" shape, turn it out on a floured counter top, or large cutting board and knead for about 5 minutes while also gradually adding about 1/4 cup flour.
Best way to knead is by using the heels of you hands to push dough away from you, and then folding it back in half, shift it a quarter angle and repeat.
After you've added the flour, continue to knead for another 10 minutes. The dough will become a little shiny and smooth. (It might stick a little to the board but don't continue to add more flour at this point, use a knife to scrape dough off the board and incorporate it back)
Form a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Spray or brush dough ball with oil and cover bowl with a plastic wrap or moist towel. Let stand for 1 1/2 h or until it's doubled in size.
Once it's risen, squeeze the dough down.
If you are going to use the entire dough, you may start to roll it on a floured board to your desired thickness. If you want to save half for tomorrow you can wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for maximum 24hs. OR, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, also in a tightly wrapped plastic.
I rolled my dough with a large water glass. You may use a wine bottle as well, if you don't happen to have a dough roller lying around.
Assembling and Baking:
Preheat oven to 450-500F.
Once dough is rolled out place it on a cooking sheet or pizza pan and spread the tomato sauce and all other ingredients you may be using.
Bake Pizza for about 10 minutes, but start checking after 5 minutes since ovens can be tricky.
Enjoy!
