Pepperoni Pizza From Scratch

Ingredients for Pizza Dough

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water, divided
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour

Instructions for Pizza Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp fresh oregano
  • 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Toppings

  • 1 1/12 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 15 slices pork pepperoni
  • Fresh basil, to garnish
  • Oregano, to garnish
  • Chilli flakes, to garnish

Instructions

  • For the pizza dough: Combine yeast, 2 tsp sugar and 1/2 cup warm water and whisk until yeast has dissolved. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 cup warm water, olive oil, salt and vinegar. On low speed, slowly add in 1 3/4 cups of the flour and mix until combined. 
  • Slowly add in remaining 1 3/4 cups flour, then knead mixture on medium-low speed about 5-7 minutes, adding upto an additional 1/2 cup flour as needed, until dough is smooth and elastic. Note: Dough should be slightly sticky, but should not stick to a clean fingertip. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rest in a warm place until doubled for 1 1/2 hours.
  • For the pizza sauce: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Preferably set aside for 30 minutes (while dough is rising) to allow flavours to mix.
  • To assemble pizza: Preheat oven to 250°C. Punch down pizza dough (divide into two portions). Place a sheet of parchment paper and lightly dust with flour. Roll and stretch dough to a 13-inch round, while creating a rim along the edge of the dough. 
  • Using a fork (without piercing all the way through), pierce dough many times over surface. Pop it in the oven for 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven. Then, stir 1 tbsp olive oil with 1 clove garlic and brush evenly over the top and edges of pizza dough. Then, evenly spread the pizza sauce over pizza, but leave rim uncoated.
  • Top it off evenly with mozzarella cheese (again leaving rim uncoated) and pepperoni slices. Carefully slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until crust is golden.
  • Remove from oven, sprinkle some fresh basil, oregano, chilli flakes and get a slice of the action!