Raising dough: Secrets to perfect homemade pizza crust

Homemade pizza can quickly become a culinary highlight in any kitchen. Its appeal lies in its simplicity of preparation and its ability to be customised with your favourite ingredients. Whether you prefer classic flavours or more exotic combinations, it all starts with the dough.

The essential ingredients for the dough include type 00 flour, warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. These ingredients are necessary for achieving the ideal dough consistency, which should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside once baked.

Why is type 00 flour the best choice for pizza dough? It is usually very finely ground, making it exceptionally smooth and delicate. This fine grind allows for elastic dough, which is crucial for kneading and forming the pizza base.

Type 00 flour also contains a higher gluten content, making the dough more stretchable.

Ingredients for the pizza dough:

• 500 grams of type 00 flour
• 50 grams of fresh yeast or 7 grams of instant yeast
• 400 ml of warm water (approximately 14 fluid ounces)
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt to taste, usually around 1-2 teaspoons

First, prepare a starter with the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and sugar, and set aside for a few minutes to allow the yeast to start working and create small bubbles on the surface. This indicates activation. After the yeast is ready, combine it with sieved flour, a pinch of salt, and olive oil, and begin mixing the ingredients together.

How should you knead pizza dough? The next step is proper kneading. Place the dough on a lightly floured pastry board or kitchen countertop and start kneading gently. Knead for at least 15 minutes. The finished dough should not stick to your hands.

Place the finished dough in a bowl greased with olive oil, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for at least two hours.

Once the dough has risen sufficiently, proceed to the final stages before baking. Firstly, knead the dough gently to expel excess air, then divide it into smaller portions. Shape each piece into a round base of your preferred thickness.

Spread tomato sauce over the shaped base and add your chosen ingredients. There's plenty of scope for experimentation – mozzarella, salami, fresh herbs, or mushrooms will enhance the taste of your homemade pizza.

At what temperature should you bake pizza? Preheat the oven to 230 degrees Celsius (around 450 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure a crispy crust while keeping the inside of the dough soft and delicate. Place the prepared pizza on the lower shelf of the oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness regularly. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the pizza.