Old Forge Pizza

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (295ml) warm water 1 1/4 cups (295ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers) Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a rectangular baking pan, pressing it evenly to cover the bottom.
7. 7.
   Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
9. 9.
   Add your desired toppings.
10. 10.
    Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of sugar for added sweetness.
• Mozzarella cheese — Opt for fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella, depending on your preference. If using fresh mozzarella, make sure to drain it well to prevent excess moisture on the pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or fresh basil to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the toppings before baking.
• To achieve a golden brown crust, brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Old Forge Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into rectangular slices and serve it as a main course or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rectangular pizza stone for an authentic touch.