Pizza Dough

Author: AP/"The Best Recipe," Boston Common Press, 1999
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Ingredients

(Preparation time 2 hours 15 minutes)

1/2 cup warm water (about 105 F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups water, room temperature
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups bread flour, plus additional for dusting hands and work surface
1 1/2 teaspoons salt


Directions

Measure warm water into a two-cup measuring cup. Sprinkle in the yeast and let stand about five minutes. Add the remaining water and the oil and mix together.

Combine the flour and salt in a food processor and pulse to combine. Continue pulsing while slowly adding the liquid. Dough should form a ball. Process until dough is smooth and elastic, about 30 seconds.

Dough will be a bit tacky, so use a rubber spatula to transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Knead by hand for several seconds to form a smooth ball.

Place the dough in a deep, lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, about two hours. Punch down the dough with your fist and transfer to a lightly floured work surface. Shape as needed. Makes two large, four medium or eight individual pizzas.