Home Made Pizza

Making the dough

In a big bowl, add the flour and salt. In a seperate bowl, mix the yeast and the warm water together. Add it to the flour and use a fork, mix it throughly. It does have a sticky consistency but you can use flour to get it off. Use the counter to spread and its much easier to knead. Once dough is ready, roll the dough into a long log and cut it into 4 portions.

Now the dough needs to sit for around 2 hours to rise and also become bigger. On a baking tray, sprinkle semolina all over and space the 4 dough balls. Add some flour on top of each dough ball so its doesn't stick. Get a damp tea towel and cover and place somewhere warm. I usually put it in the oven for 2 hours.

Making the Pasta Sauce

Heat the pan with the oil. Add the crushed garlic and the chilli flakes. Cook for until golden. Add the passata and mix throughly. Sprinkle the mixed herbs and basil on top. Let it simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Set aside to cook down.

Making the Pizza

Pre heat your oven to the highest temperature.

Take one of the dough balls and cover the rest back with the towel until you need to make the next one. Sprinkle some flour on the counter and roll out the dough or using your fingers pushing the edges around outwards until you get to the desired size.

On a pizza baking tray, sprinkle semolina around and place the pizza dough on top. Spread the tomato sauce evenly on the base. Grate the Parmesan cheese all over the sauce and the dough. Now add all your toppings. Once you have everything on the pizza, pull chunks of the fresh mozzarella and place around the pizza, finally drizzle olive oil all over and add salt & pepper.

Place into the oven and cook for 5-7 minutes, keep a close eye on the pizza as you do not want it to burn.

Enjoy with garlic bread and a good bunch of friends.

My favourite choice of toppings are red onions, mushrooms, chicken slices, sweet picante peppers, pesto and the least amount of cheese.