2 storage containers (optional, if you store the pizza dough balls in the fridge)
Ingredients
For the dough
150gwater
50gsourdough discard or active starter
225gflourwhite bread flour
5gsalt
2tbspolive oil
For the sauce
200mlpassata
1tbspolive oil
1tspdried oregano
½tspBlack pepper, freshly cracked
½tspsalt
For toppings
120ggrated or fresh mozzarella
halfbell pepper, thinly sliced(optional)
halfred onion or shallots, thinly sliced(optional)
50gmushrooms, thinly sliced(optional)
4 slicesyour favourite ham(optional)
ahandfulspinach or basil(optional)
Instructions
Prepare your dough
Weigh up the water in a medium to large bowl. Use a spoon to combine your starter with the water, stir the flour, olive oil and the salt in. It will be quite sticky.
Once all fully combined, cover and leave to rise.
Times are not exact with sourdough, if you have made sourdough before, you know that it is forgiving.
Stretch and folds
Stretch and fold a few times roughly at around 30 minute intervals. I recommend a minimum of 3 stretch and folds, but 4 are enough.
Bulk proof
Cover and let it bulk proof (this means let it rise).
It could take around 4 hours or longer after the last stretch and fold until the dough has doubled or just about doubled.
Shape the dough balls
Lightly dust a surface with flour and turn the dough from the bowl onto your surface.
With a dough cutter divide the dough in 2 equal-ish portions. Cover them with a clean tea towel and allow to rest for 10-20 minutes at room temperature.
Take each portion and gently bring the corners in the middle to form a ball. Roll them gently.
Each portion will make a medium pizza.
Prepare your dough balls and lay them seam down in oiled containers with lids.
You can also pop the dough balls in the fridge for up to 2-3 days until ready to bake.
Prepare your sauce
In a saucepan, on medium heat, add the olive oil and oregano. Once the oil is slightly sizzling, add the passata and let simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes.
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Take off the heat and let it cool down.
Prepare your toppings
Slice your vegetables if adding and shred the mozzarella and ham. Set aside.
Stretch the pizza dough
After one hour your dough should be ready to stretch.
Stretch each ball pushing gently with your fingers, without stretching the edges. Then gently rotate the dough on the fist of your hand to stretch a little more.
Use a piece of baking paper or a little flour to line your pizza tray. Add the stretched pizza base and brush the edges with a little olive oil.
Assemble and bake
Preheat up your oven for 5 minutes to 220 °C
With a tablespoon or small ladle, spread sauce to cover the pizza without drowning it.
Add your desired toppings. I always add mozzarella last.
Bake for 10 minutes at 220℃ or 428℉ (with the fan on) and 5 minutes at 220℃ or 428℉ without the fan.
The cheese will be melted and slightly golden and base well baked. Soft in some places and crunchy in some.
Serve and enjoy!
Give it a few minutes to cool down, then slide on a chopping board and slice with a pizza cutter. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
When adding your desired toppings, I suggest to add mozzarella last. Brush the edges of the pizza with olive oil for a luscious finish.If you want a more luxurious finish and extra flavor, drizzle a little more olive oil and fresh herbs or arugula right after you take the pizza out of the oven.[convertkit_form form="5652602"]