ThinCrust Pizza from America's Test Kitchen (recipe) from www.cleveland.com
Introduction
Pizza is a favorite food for many people around the world. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is always a pizza topping for you. But did you know that making your pizza base is easy and fun? In this article, we will guide you through a simple and delicious recipe for pizza base that you can make at home.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your pizza base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. You can freeze one portion for later use if you like.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into your desired thickness and shape.
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add your desired toppings and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve!
Nutrition
This pizza base recipe yields two 12-inch pizzas, and the nutrition information is for one slice of pizza (1/8th of a 12-inch pizza):
Calories: 182
Protein: 5 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 33 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugar: 1 gram
Sodium: 250 milligrams
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your pizza base even better:
You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier crust.
Add some herbs and spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, to give it more flavor.
You can also use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for a healthier crust.
Use a pizza stone instead of a pizza pan or a baking sheet for a crispier crust.
Experiment with different toppings, such as vegetables, meats, and cheeses, to find your favorite combination.
If you like a thicker crust, let the dough rise for longer, or use a smaller pizza pan.
If you like a thinner crust, roll out the dough more thinly, or use a larger pizza pan.
Don't overload your pizza with toppings, or it may become soggy and difficult to eat.
Conclusion
Making your pizza base is easy and fun, and it allows you to customize your pizza to your liking. With this simple recipe, you can make delicious homemade pizza that your family and friends will love. Try it today and enjoy!
