Pizza made perfect right at home
Pizza is among the most popular foods in many areas across the globe. Indeed, few people have likely had a slice of pizza and not wanted to have another in the near or distant future.
Versatility of ingredients has undoubtedly contributed to the popularity of pizza. Homemade pizza has also become a staple in many households, and this Lines+Angles recipe features an array of tasty toppings.
Pizza with peppers, tomatoes, onions and prosciutto
Makes four servings
For the crust:
1⁄2 teaspoon instant or active dry yeast
3⁄4 cups warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
5 tablespoons good-quality olive oil, plus extra for the bowl
For the pizza toppings:
2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
Two red bell peppers, rinsed, seeded and cut into thin strips
2 1⁄2 cups cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved
One red onion, peeled and sliced into wedges
Parmesan cheese, grated
1 1⁄3 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced or crumbled
12 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
Fresh basil, rinsed and chopped
Three sprigs fresh oregano, rinsed and leaves chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the crust:
1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water. Let stand for five minutes.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour and salt. With the mixer running on low speed (with paddle attachment), drizzle in olive oil until incorporated with flour. Pour in yeast mixture and mix until dough comes together in a sticky ball.
3. Coat a separate mixing bowl lightly with olive oil. Form the dough into a smooth ball, place it in the bowl and toss to coat in olive oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for at least one to two hours.
4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly oil a pizza pan.
5. Knead the dough for several minutes and reshape into a ball. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin or stretch it out until very thin. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pizza pan. Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and spread it to the edges. Season the crust lightly with salt.
For the pizza toppings:
1. Prepare the vegetables. Sprinkle the prepared dough with Parmesan cheese. Arrange half of the mozzarella evenly over the top of the crust. Arrange the peppers, cherry tomatoes, onions and prosciutto over the top of the mozzarella. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, basil and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the lower half of the oven, until the crust is golden brown and toppings are bubbly. Remove from oven, cut into slices and serve immediately.
