INGREDIENTS
- 500 g strong bread flour or Italian “00” flour
- 1 tbsp coarse semolina
- 14 g dry yeast
- 50 ml olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 7 g sea salt
- 320 ml warm water
EQUIPMENT
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork
- Dough scraper or hands
- Pizza stone or baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Pizza peel or flat tray
- Rolling Pin optional
- Oven
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Cutting board
METHOD
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, semolina, yeast, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix the warm water with olive oil and gradually add to the flour, stirring with a fork, then knead by hand until a dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a floured bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to its maximum temperature and heat the pizza stone for at least 30 minutes.
- Lightly oil your work surface instead of flouring it, press the dough from the center outward using your hands, and shape into a 30 cm round, keeping a thicker crust at the edges.
- Transfer the dough onto parchment paper for easy handling. Brush with olive oil, especially around the edges, to help it crisp during baking.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, let the dough rest for 10 more minutes at this stage.
- Transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or tray and pre-bake for 1–2 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Remove from the oven, spread tomato sauce evenly over the base, and top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Return to the oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly charred.
- Remove from the oven, transfer to a board, slice, and serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil.
NOTES
For extra flavor, use fresh mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan. Add basil or chili oil before serving.