Recipe: Pizza Dough

I love all forms of pizza, but my favourite pizzas are the ones with a fluffy, moist dough with a light crispiness where it is kissed by the heat of the oven. If you also prefer a thicker crust with a nice bit of chewiness, this recipe is for you!

It makes approximately 2kg of stretchy, pliable dough -- enough for two 12" x 17" rectangular pans, or three 12" round pans. If that's too much for your family, use some and freeze the rest!

Ingredients: 

6 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp yeast
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
3 cups warm water
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in your largest bowl. Add the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Knead the last of the flour in by hand before turning the dough out onto a floured countertop.

Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes, until the dough feels smooth, not sticky, and a bit springy to the touch. Form the dough into a smooth ball.

Spread a bit of olive oil inside the mixing bowl, making sure to coat the sides well. Place the dough inside. Rotate it to ensure the surface of the dough is oiled. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled -- approximately 1 hour. 

Punch the dough down and divide into two or three portions. Preheat oven to 425F, spread the dough on your pans of choice, add toppings, and bake for 22-25 minutes.