Pizza dough is a fundamental element in one of the most popular and beloved meals worldwide: pizza. Its origin dates back to ancient Italy, specifically to Naples, where bakers developed a simple, flat bread base that would later be combined with tomatoes, cheeses, and other ingredients to create the pizza as we know it today. This dish quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the world, adapting to local tastes and products. In many Latin American countries, pizza is known simply as "pizza," although in some regions like Argentina and Mexico, special importance is given to the variety and style of crust, from thin to thick. In places like Colombia and Chile, pizza is also enjoyed with different ingredients and sauce styles, reflecting the continent's culinary diversity.
The sauce that accompanies this dough is usually a mixture of tomato paste with herbs and seasonings, giving it a unique and characteristic flavor that enhances the experience of enjoying a good pizza at home or in a pizzeria.
How to prepare Pizza dough and sauce
In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over warm water and let it rest until it begins to foam, approximately 5 minutes.
Incorporate the salt, oil, and half of the flour.
Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing well.
Knead for 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl and let the dough double in size, punch it down, and let it rise again until it doubles in size.
Punch the dough down and divide it.
Spread it onto two pizza pans.
Top with pizza sauce and ingredients.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
For the pizza sauce: mix all the ingredients together, combining well.
Yields enough for two 12 or 14-inch pizzas or one 16-inch thick-crust pizza.
Top with meats, cheese, and other ingredients to taste.
To freeze the prepared pizza: wrap it twice and freeze the prepared pizza on the pizza pan.
Unwrap and bake the frozen pizza at 400°F for about 22 minutes.
Alternative method for freezing the dough: after the first rise of the dough, divide the dough and place it in a zip-top bag and then in the freezer.
To prepare, remove from the freezer and place in a greased bowl.
The dough will take approximately 8 to 10 hours to thaw and rise slightly.
Spread onto a greased pizza pan and proceed as directed above.
You can also freeze half of the sauce in a small container for future use.
Ingredients: yeast, warm water, salt, oil, flour, tomato paste, red wine, oregano, sugar, vegetable oil, parmesan cheese.
