Pizza Crust and Sauce

Pizza Dough:

Ingredients:

• 2½ teaspoons (1 envelope) dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup lukewarm water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the yeast, sugar, 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup flour together in a bowl and let proof for 10 minutes. Mixture should look frothy.
2. Add remaining flour, salt and olive oil and mix well. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 8-10 minutes or until dough is elastic and smooth. Alternately you can do this with the dough hook in a heavy duty mixer. Dough should feel moist and tender. If it’s too stiff, add a bit more water.
3. Place dough in an oiled bowl and turn to coat it evenly.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm spot in kitchen (at least 75 degrees) for 1-2 hours

Yield: 1 large rectangular pizza

For the Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 10¾ oz. tomato puree
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• ¾ Tablespoon dehydrated onion (or saute 1/2 of a chopped onion)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1½ teaspoon oregano seasoning
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (optional) (grind in hand)
• ½ teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add ingredients to saucepan and cook on a low flame.
2. Add water to meet desired consistency.

The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.