Hello Laiba

Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe 🍕🇮🇹

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour or 00 flour
• 325ml (1 ⅓ cups) warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (7g) dry yeast or 25g fresh yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (400g) San Marzano tomatoes or any high-quality canned tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh basil

For the Toppings:

• 250g fresh mozzarella (preferably Fior di Latte or Buffalo Mozzarella)
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: Mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, arugula, parmesan

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Blend the canned tomatoes into a smooth sauce.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add the blended tomatoes, salt, and oregano. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.

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Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to the highest setting (250°C/480°F) or use a pizza stone for the best results.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2–3 portions (depending on desired pizza size).
3. Roll out one portion into a thin round shape on a floured surface.
4. Transfer it to a pizza tray or preheated pizza stone.
5. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
6. Tear mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly.

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Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 7–10 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
2. Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil, and top with fresh basil.