Homemade Pizza

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the 1 and 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 11 tablespoons of water, stirring until the mixture comes together into a soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash more water.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, let the dough rest for about 10 minutes to relax the gluten, which makes it easier to shape.
3. Shape the Pizza: After resting, press down on the dough to flatten it slightly. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a round shape. You can make one large pizza or divide the dough in half to make two smaller pizzas, depending on your preference. Once shaped, transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet. If you prefer, you can create a thicker edge by pinching the dough at the edges with your fingers to form a crust that will hold in the sauce and cheese.
4. Prepare the Pan: If you’re concerned about sticking, lightly oil your pizza pan with a small splash of olive oil. This step is optional, but if you’re using a non-stick or ceramic pan like I did, it’s not necessary. Make sure the dough is spread evenly in the pan and that the edges are formed.
5. Cook the Pizza: Heat the pan over low heat. While the dough is cooking, prepare your pizza toppings. Add your favorite pizza sauce and cheese. Once the dough begins to firm up, add the sauce and cheese to the pizza base. Cover the pan halfway with a lid and let it cook until the cheese melts and the crust becomes golden and crispy. This should take a few minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the base.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the pizza is golden and the cheese has melted, remove it from the pan and serve immediately. The pizza will have a crispy crust with a soft, chewy interior—just perfect for enjoying right away!

Notes: