FAQ About Pizza

Making a thin-crust pizza involves a few key steps. Here's a basic recipe and method to help you create a delicious thin-crust pizza at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent sticking, but avoid adding excessive flour as it can make the crust dense.
4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, usually around 500-550°F (260-290°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to achieve a crispier crust.
6. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a thin circle or rectangle, depending on your preferred pizza shape.
7. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza peel: Place the rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal. This will make it easier to transfer the pizza to the oven.
8. Add toppings: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce or your desired base sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, or meats, while keeping in mind that a thin crust requires lighter toppings to prevent it from becoming soggy.
9. Bake the pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza (on the baking sheet or pizza peel) to the preheated oven or onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
10. Serve and enjoy: Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot, and enjoy your homemade thin-crust pizza!