Basic Pizza Dough

Basic Pizza Dough

• 1 pound 2 ounces all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Place the flour into a large bowl. Add the salt and instant yeast, and mix well with a wooden spoon. Slowly pour in 1 cup of warm water while stirring. Add the olive oil and continue stirring until the dough becomes compact and elastic. Add a little flour if the dough is too wet, or water if it is too dry. Knead for about 8 minutes, shape into a ball and place in a oiled bowl. Cover and let rise at room temperature until it doubles in size. Preheat the oven to 550°. Dust a counter with flour and place the risen dough upon it. Divide it into 4 equal parts and shape into balls. Cover and let rest for about half hour. Roll them out into very thin disks and brush them with olive oil. Place each disk on a baking peel, top with the ingredients of your choice, and place in the oven. Bake until crisp, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Serves 4

Recipe courtesy of Italian Cooking & Living magazine.  Click here to view more delicious Italian recipes!