Welcome back, pizza enthusiasts! In the first part of our series, we introduced you to the ins and outs of your Geras Grill Top Pizza Oven. Now that you’re comfortable with your oven, it's time to get our hands a little doughy. Today, we'll guide you through making the perfect pizza dough and sauce. After all, every great pizza begins with a solid foundation.
Essential Ingredients for Pizza Dough and Sauce
Before we start, let's gather our ingredients. For the pizza dough, you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
For the pizza sauce, you'll need:
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- A handful of fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza Dough
- Mix sugar and warm water in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved.
- In a larger bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir using a spoon until the dough just begins to come together. Then, knead the dough with your hands until a sticky dough forms.
- Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and oregano to the pan. Stir well.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the fresh basil and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Techniques for Applying Sauce and Preparing Dough for Geras Pizza Oven
Now that you've prepared the dough and sauce, it's time to assemble your pizza. Punch down your dough and divide it into 2 pieces for two thin crusts, or keep it whole for one thick crust. Roll out your dough on a floured surface, aiming for an even thickness.
When applying the sauce, remember that less is more. An excessive amount of sauce can make your pizza soggy. Use a spoon to spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Before placing your pizza in the Geras Pizza Oven, make sure to preheat the oven as we discussed in the first blog post.
Conclusion: Ready to Add Toppings
You've just created your canvas, and now it's time to decorate! The beauty of pizza lies in its versatility. In the next part of our series, we'll explore the world of toppings, and how to bake and serve your creation with the Geras Grill Top Pizza Oven.