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rustic pizza recipe

Rustic Italian Pizza Margherita

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Make this delicious pizza from scratch with this Italian pizza recipe.
Author Vedika

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
  • 1 sachet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 3 ½ cups bread or spelt flower
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup passata
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp chopped basil
  • salt to taste
  • chilly flakes optional

For the toppings:

  • 8 oz (226g) fresh Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese – FRESHLY GRATED around 1/2 cup
  • Pepperoni optional
  • Chopped green bell peppers optional
  • Sliced onions optional
  • Sliced cherry tomatoes optional
  • Rucola Rocket, Arugula- same thing leaves (optional)
  • Fresh basil

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the sugar and water. Sprinkle over the yeast and let it activate.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  • Make a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and water.
  • Mix to combine, and place the dough on a flour service, adding as much flour as necessary so that the dough doesn’t stick. Knead the dough for 10 minutes or until it reaches an elastic texture.
  • Brush two glass bowls with olive oil and divide the dough into two portions.
  • Place the dough into the bowls and brush the surfaces with olive oil. Cover the bowls with cling wrap and place in a warm area for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • In the meantime, combine all the ingredients to make the sauce into a bowl.
  • Take out 1 of the balls of dough and press it out with your fingers on a floured surface. Stretch out till it reaches 10 – 12 inches in diameter. Press around the edges to form a lip. Repeat with second ball of dough. Place both on a parchment lined baking sheet sprinkled with flour or cornmeal, and brush surface with olive oil to prevent dough from going soggy. Dent the dough with fingertips.
  • Divide the cheese and distribute between Pizzas, first the mozzarella and then the parmesan.
  • Place on desired toppings.
  • Bake in a 450 F or 230 C preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until crusts are golden brown.