Home made 'Sicilian' style pizza
I have always loved cooking Italian food, having been brought up in an Italian family it was always important to us to cook big family meals, sharing has played an integral part in my kitchen etiquette. Nothing says Italian and sharing more than a delicious, melt in your mouth, home made Pizza.
I am fortunate enough to have a great pizza oven at home, however, this recipe is still just as good made in a conventional oven also.
Ingredients
Pizza dough
I usually buy my pizza dough but here is a great recipe for those of you who are feeling adventurous.
2 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup sugar
3 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
Marinara sauce
1 large can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes* (San Marzano preferably)
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
3 large cloves garlic, peeled but left whole
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Pinch of salt
Peel and slice onion in half, peel and smash garlic. Add all ingredients into a pan and bring to simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes.
Pizza toppings
200 grams sliced black olives
4 diced anchovies
8 Sun-dried tomatoes (or 2 fresh to preference)
Handful of capers
Pinch of oregano
200 grams Buffalo mozzarella or your preference
1 Preheat pizza stone (or pizza pan or baking sheet): Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour. If you don't have a pizza stone, you can use a pizza pan or a thick baking sheet; you need something that will not warp at high temperatures.
Slice up ingredients roughly, generously spread the marinara sauce onto the ready prepared pizza dough. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the base, add toppings to your preference.
Bake in ready lit pizza oven for 2-3 minutes turning for an even cook.
OR
Bake pizza in conventional oven at 475°F (245°C) oven, until the crust is browned and the cheese is golden, about 10-15 minutes.
Serve straight out of the oven, sliced and ready to enjoy with family and friends!
