RUSTIC Thin Crust Pizza

There is something so rewarding about making your own pizza from scratch! It's easy and beats store bought pizza any day of the week. It's also relatively healthy when you consider the preservatives that are often added. You are in control of all the ingredients going into this pizza! It's time to get creative and use fresh wholesome toppings!

Keep in mind that you do need to plan ahead as the dough requires time to rest, but I can promise you it will be oh so worth it!

The dough itself is very quick and simple to make. If you have a standard mixer with a dough hook that will be helpful, but can also easily be done by hand.

The Dough:

(makes 5 pizzas)

• 1500g flour

• 900 ml water

• 5g active dried yeast

• 25g salt

1. Combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer or in a medium sized bowl and whisk together. While the mixer is running, add the water gradually and beat until the dough forms into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball (for about 10 minutes).

2. Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, add the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm area to let it triple in size, about 2 hours. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 5 equal pieces. form dough pieces into firm balls. Cover each with plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes.

*Placing the dough in the fridge overnight to proof will allow the dough to build more flavour*

The Sauce:

• 4 Roma tomatoes, blended

• 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

• 1 can tomato paste

• 1 tbsp. white vinegar

• 1 tsp. sugar

• 2 tbs. Olive oil

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp basil (fresh or paste)

• 1 tsp onion flakes

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp ground coriander

• Pinch of red chilli powder (Optional for a little heat)

• Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Heat olive oil on medium heat in a sauce pot then stir in minced garlic and basil paste cooking for a few minutes until the garlic is softened.

2. Add the Roma tomatoes that were blended, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, spices, salt, pepper and a pinch of red chili powder. Stir to combine.

3. Cover the pot, allow the pot to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, and let simmer for at least 30 minutes (the longer the better).

Margherita Toppings:

or Decorate with your favourite toppings!

• 1/4 cup pizza sauce

• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella

• Shredded parmesan or asiago cheese

• Fresh basil leaves

• Drizzle of olive oil

Bake pizza in conventional oven at 500°F for 8-10 minutes or until crust is crispy and slightly golden. For best results, bake using a pizza stone. If you do not have a pizza stone, a regular baking sheet will work just fine and still yield great results.

Enjoy!

Meatball Pizza

A crispy thin crust pizza with delectable homemade meatballs and fresh cheese. Sure to be a new family favourite.

• 1/4 cup pizza sauce

• 10-12 homemade meatballs (see recipe below)

• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella

• 1/2 sweet bell pepper

• Shredded parmesan or asiago cheese

• Fresh basil leaves

• Drizzle of olive oil

Bake pizza in conventional oven at 500°F for 8-10 minutes or until crust is crispy and slightly golden. For best results, bake using a pizza stone. If you do not have a pizza stone, a regular baking sheet will work just fine and still yield great results.

Easy Meatballs

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 3 tbsp Ketchup

• 1 tbsp onion flakes

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1/4 tsp of following spices - Cinnamon, Chilli Powder, Cumin, Ground Cloves, Ground Cumin

1. Mix all ingredients by hand in large bowl

2. Roll into 1 inch diameter balls

3. bake on baking sheet at 350° F for 35 mins or until no longer pink inside.

Apple and Feta Pizza with Bacon

This is a twist and will for sure throw your taste buds for a ride. Topped with fresh apple slices, heaps of feta and crispy bacon, this is one that you will be coming back to!

• 3 tbsp of your favourite barbecue sauce

• 1 apple thinly sliced

• 6 slices bacon - chopped and crisped in pan

• handful of feta cheese - cubed

• *Optional 1/4 cup of diced red onion*

Bake pizza in conventional oven at 500°F for 8-10 minutes or until crust is crispy and slightly golden. For best results, bake using a pizza stone. If you do not have a pizza stone, a regular baking sheet will work just fine and still yield great results.